preposterously
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb: * In a manner that is so absurd, unreasonable, or contrary to common sense that it becomes ridiculous or laughable.
Usage
"Preposterously" is used to modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb to emphasize the extreme and ridiculous nature of a situation, claim, or characteristic. It suggests something is beyond the bounds of reason.
Examples
- The villain's plan was preposterously complicated and bound to fail.
- He was paid a preposterously high salary for very little work.
- The claim that the earth is flat is preposterously false.
- She argued preposterously that cats make better drivers than humans.
Advanced Usage
- "preposterously + adjective": This is the most common construction, used to intensify an adjective to an absurd degree.
- The diamond was preposterously large.
- The task was preposterously difficult.
- It can be used for humorous or sarcastic effect to critique an idea or situation by highlighting its inherent silliness.
Variants and Related Words
- Preposterous (adjective): Describing the absurd quality itself.
- That is a preposterous idea.
- Preposterousness (noun): The state or quality of being preposterous.
- The preposterousness of his argument was evident to everyone.
Synonyms
- Absurdly
- Ridiculously
- Ludicrously
- Outrageously (in the sense of being shockingly excessive)
- Laughably (as in the reference context, meaning so much so that it invites laughter)
Antonyms
- Reasonably
- Sensibly
- Plausibly
- Believably
Adverb
- so as to arouse or deserve laughter
- her income was laughably small, but she managed to live well