Pronunciation: [pɹˈɛsɪpˌɪs] (IPA) 
The word "precipice" is spelled p-r-e-c-i-p-i-c-e. The pronunciation is /ˈprɛsəpɪs/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "c" and "e" are pronounced as "s" and "i" in "sit". The "p" and "c" are pronounced separately, as in "plum" and "cat". The last "e" is silent. A precipice refers to a steep rock face, cliff, or a dangerous situation. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a risky or uncertain situation.
Precipice is a noun that refers to a steep cliff or a sheer drop, usually with a vertical or near-vertical face. It is a geological term used to describe a hazardous and precarious edge of a rocky formation, often found in mountainous or rugged areas. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe a dangerous or risky situation that one is on the verge of or at the brink of.
In a physical sense, a precipice represents a dramatic change in the landscape, creating a sense of awe and danger. It typically features a sharp incline that abruptly ends, giving the impression of an impending fall. The word often evokes feelings of fear, vulnerability, or dizziness due to the extreme nature of the drop.
When used metaphorically, precipice conveys the idea of being at the edge of a potentially catastrophic situation. It suggests being on the verge of disaster, crisis, or a critical turning point in one's life. It can also symbolize the feeling of reaching a point where there is no turning back or where actions will have significant and irreversible consequences. In this context, precipice emphasizes the need for caution, careful deliberation, and wise decision-making.
A steep fall or perpendicular descent of land or rocks; a headlong steep.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "precipice" comes from the Latin word "praecipitium", which is derived from the words "prae" meaning "before" and "caput" meaning "head". In Latin, "praecipitium" referred to the front part of a headland, cliff, or steep slope. Over time, the term evolved in English to describe a steep or vertical cliff or a situation of great danger.
