Preposterous Synonym: Understanding the Closest Meaning

The question asks us to find the word that is closest in meaning to the word "PREPOSTEROUS". We need to analyze the definition of "PREPOSTEROUS" and compare it with the meanings of the given options.

Meaning of PREPOSTEROUS

The word "PREPOSTEROUS" means something that is utterly absurd, ridiculous, or contrary to reason, nature, or common sense. It implies something completely foolish or nonsensical.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the meaning of each option provided:

• Sensible: This word means having or showing good judgment or common sense. It is the opposite of being preposterous.
• Ludicrous: This word means foolish, unreasonable, or completely absurd, often to the point of being laughable. This aligns very closely with the meaning of "preposterous".
• Practical: This word means concerned with the actual doing or use of something, rather than with theory and ideas. It relates to usefulness and feasibility, not absurdity.
• Rational: This word means based on or in accordance with reason or logic. Like "sensible", this is generally the opposite of "preposterous".

Identifying the Closest Meaning

Comparing the definitions, we can see that "ludicrous" is the word that best captures the essence of "preposterous". Both words describe something that is absurd, unreasonable, and nonsensical.

For example:

• A preposterous idea might be suggesting that pigs can fly unaided.
• This idea is ludicrous because it defies the laws of nature.

The other options, "sensible", "practical", and "rational", describe qualities that are contrary to the meaning of "preposterous".

Therefore, the word CLOSEST in meaning to "PREPOSTEROUS" is "ludicrous".