Introduction / Context:
Writers sometimes pair moral judgment with logical judgment. In this sentence “inhuman” condemns the plan ethically, while “preposterous” criticizes it for being outrageous or contrary to reason. We must isolate the latter and find its closest synonym.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Target adjective: preposterous.
- We are not defining “inhuman”; the focus is on logical absurdity.
- Only one option should match closely.
Concept / Approach:
“Preposterous” means ridiculous, absurd, or against common sense. “Absurd” is the textbook synonym. “Impractical” is weaker; something impractical might still be sensible in principle. “Abnormal” merely means not typical. “Heartless” maps to “inhuman,” not “preposterous,” and “illogical” is close but narrower, focusing only on reasoning, while “preposterous” carries stronger ridicule.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Parse the dual critique: moral (inhuman) vs rational (preposterous).2) Define preposterous: outrageously unreasonable; ridiculous.3) Choose “absurd” as the closest single-word synonym.4) Eliminate near-misses (illogical, impractical) that miss the strength of ridicule.5) Discard unrelated options (heartless, abnormal).
Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute: “the plan is both inhuman and absurd.” The tone and meaning stay intact.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
heartless: Ethical cruelty; targets “inhuman,” not “preposterous.”impractical: Weakens the criticism to feasibility only.abnormal: Atypical, not necessarily ridiculous.illogical: Narrower, missing the ridicule aspect.
Common Pitfalls:
Conflating feasibility (“impractical”) with absurdity. A plan can be practical yet morally bad, or impractical yet not absurd; the sentence attacks both dimensions separately.
Final Answer:
absurd
Discussion & Comments