| Library / English Dictionary |
PREPOSTEROUS
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
So unreasonable as to invite derision
Example:
her conceited assumption of universal interest in her rather dull children was ridiculous
Synonyms:
absurd; cockeyed; derisory; idiotic; laughable; ludicrous; nonsensical; preposterous; ridiculous
Classified under:
Similar:
foolish (devoid of good sense or judgment)
Context examples:
“Oh, my goodness, how polite we are!” exclaimed Miss Mowcher, making a preposterous attempt to cover her large face with her morsel of a hand.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
“Most preposterous!” I exclaimed, and then suddenly realizing how he had echoed the inmost thought of my soul, I sat up in my chair and stared at him in blank amazement.
(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
‘Some preposterous practical joke,’ said he. ‘What have I to do with sundials and papers?
(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
“It does seem a most preposterous way of settling a dispute.”
(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
Large sitting-room on the right side, well furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open.
(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
