preposterous etymology

Etymology

The word "preposterous" comes from the Latin phrase "prae posterus," meaning "inverted" or "backward." It is composed of "prae" (before) and "posterus" (later).

Meaning

Preposterous means:

• Absurd or ridiculous; contrary to reason or common sense
• Inverted or out of order
• Perverse or inappropriate

Origin

The term "preposterous" was first used in English in the 15th century. It originally meant "inverted" or "backward" in a physical sense, but it gradually came to be used more figuratively to describe things that were absurd or illogical. By the 16th century, it was being used in its modern sense to mean "ridiculous" or "outrageous."

Usage

Preposterous is often used to describe statements, ideas, or actions that are so absurd or illogical that they defy belief. It can also be used to describe things that are out of place or order.

Examples

• The politician's claims were preposterous; there was no evidence to support them.
• The man's preposterous haircut made him the laughingstock of the town.
• The preposterous idea of taking a boat out in a storm was quickly dismissed.

preposterous relate terms

• prae

  Etymology Prae is a Latin preposition meaning before or in front of It is derived

• before

  Prefix before Etymology Middle English from Old English beforan from be denoting po

• post

  Etymology From Middle English post from Anglo Norman and Old French post from Latin p

• banter

  Etymology Proto Germanic bantrian meaning to dispute quarrel Related to the Old En

• asphyxia

  Etymology Greek a without sphyxis heartbeat pulse Meaning and Origin A

• innovation

  Etymology The word innovation originates from the Latin word innovatus which means

• pyramid

  Etymology The word pyramid comes from the ancient Greek word pyramis which means fi

• master

  Etymology The word master comes from the Old French word maistre which in turn comes

• appeal

  Etymology The word appeal comes from the Latin word appellare which means to call

• machine

  Etymology of Machine The word machine originates from the Greek term mekhane which