rather preposterous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather preposterous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is quite absurd or ridiculous. Example: "The idea that we could solve the problem overnight seemed rather preposterous to everyone in the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Even then, I recognized this problem as rather preposterous.

The New York Times - Magazine

It all seemed long ago, and, at this distance of two thousand miles, rather preposterous.

The New Yorker

As a former employee of Adbusters, I was privy to these sessions for over two years and find the notion that the magazine is "anti-capitalist" to be rather preposterous.

The Guardian - Opinion

But even before any of that seems clear, he is reluctant to even talk to Tami about her incredible (or rather preposterous, in terms of any allegiance to realism) job opportunity as the dean of admissions at a prestigious northeastern college.

The New York Times

As for Noah himself, Russell Crowe is just about the only actor who could have pulled off the mixture of muttering, furrowed-brow intensity and slice-and-dice combat (occasionally in concert with some rather preposterous CGI human-smashing giants made from rocks) that the role calls for.

The Guardian - Film

I find this conclusion rather preposterous, since if they wanted more energy, all they would have to do is allow foreign investment or invest more of their own money in their own fields.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Which brought up one of the many ironies in the situation: Syrian lingerie was somehow more outlandish than outrageous, that is, not deployed as erotic but rather as preposterous, and therefore the more offensive for being garish and kitsch.

Forbes

Back in 1987, there was still something rather comical and preposterous about Douglas's finance villain; now, after the recent credit crunch meltdown, the whole subject has lost a bit of its jauntiness.

Independent

It has left the global critical community (which has been allowed to view it much earlier and on more generous terms than if the master were still alive) uneasily aware of the possibility that it is not a masterpiece, but rather a grotesque, preposterous flop that embarrassingly damages one of the most unimpeachable reputations in world cinema.

The Guardian - Film

It was only a matter of time before a hole would create itself from the weeping slough of the man's face, presenting a glimpse of the preposterous fundamentals, rather like the truth window in a straw house.

The New Yorker

But while Pearl Harbor would never have existed without the success of Cameron's Titanic four years previously, Avatar's imitators have largely chosen to focus on the movie's groundbreaking stereoscopic effects rather than copy its preposterous blend of sci-fi and romance.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather preposterous" to express a measured sense of disbelief or amusement, suggesting something is not only absurd but also somewhat amusing or ironic. It is suitable for situations where a strong, negative reaction is not warranted, allowing you to maintain a degree of detachment or humor.

Common error

Avoid using "rather preposterous" excessively in formal or academic writing, as its slightly informal tone might undermine the seriousness or objectivity required. Opt for more direct and professional alternatives like "untenable", "implausible", or "unsubstantiated" to maintain a consistent level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather preposterous" functions as an adverbial modifier enhancing an adjective. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English, and serves to express that something is quite absurd or ridiculous. Examples on Ludwig highlight its usage in describing ideas or situations deemed unreasonable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rather preposterous" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that expresses a sense of mild disbelief or amusement. Ludwig AI validates its appropriateness, emphasizing its role in describing something quite absurd or ridiculous. While it is suitable for various contexts, including news and media, it's important to be mindful of the tone, avoiding overuse in highly formal settings. Alternatives such as "quite absurd" or "somewhat ridiculous" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis. Remember to use "rather preposterous" when you want to convey a measured sense of incredulity without being overly critical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite absurd

Emphasizes the illogical nature of something, focusing on its departure from reason.

mildly absurd

Similar to 'quite absurd' but communicates less intensity.

somewhat ridiculous

Highlights the laughable or silly aspect of something, suggesting it's worthy of mockery.

fairly ludicrous

Points out the foolish or unreasonable nature of something, often implying it's deserving of scorn.

pretty outrageous

Suggests that something is shocking or unacceptable due to its extreme nature.

utterly nonsensical

Stresses the complete lack of meaning or coherence in something.

downright silly

Emphasizes the foolish and unserious nature of something, often in a dismissive way.

slightly unbelievable

Focuses on the difficulty in accepting something as true or plausible.

somewhat farcical

Implies that something is absurd to the point of being comical and exaggerated.

quite unreasonable

Focuses on the lack of logical justification or fairness in something.

FAQs

How can I use "rather preposterous" in a sentence?

You can use "rather preposterous" to describe something you find quite absurd or ridiculous. For example: "The suggestion that we could finish the project in a week seemed "rather preposterous"."

What are some alternatives to "rather preposterous"?

Alternatives include "quite absurd", "somewhat ridiculous", or "fairly ludicrous", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "rather preposterous" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "rather preposterous" leans towards the informal side. In highly formal contexts, consider alternatives like "untenable" or "highly improbable".

What does "rather" add to the meaning of "preposterous"?

"Rather" softens the impact of "preposterous", indicating a degree of absurdity without being overly harsh or judgmental. It suggests a measured disbelief or amusement.