PRECIPITOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Precipitous is an adjective that describes something as extremely steep or sheer, often used to refer to cliffs, mountains, or slopes. It implies a sharp angle or drop, suggesting a rapid or abrupt descent. This term can also be used metaphorically to describe an action, decision, or change that occurs suddenly and with little warning, without careful thought or consideration.
The word "precipitous" is derived from the Latin word "praeceps," meaning headlong. It suggests a sense of danger, as something precipitous is often seen as challenging or perilous due to its steepness or rapidity. It can be used to describe physical geography, such as a precipitous drop-off, or metaphorically to refer to a situation or event that unfolds quickly and unexpectedly.
For example, a mountaineer may face a precipitous climb while ascending a treacherous peak, or a driver may encounter a precipitous decline on a winding road. In a figurative sense, a precipitous decision could be one made in haste or without proper consideration of the consequences. Likewise, a precipitous economic downturn describes a rapid decrease in economic activity without any prior indication.
Overall, "precipitous" captures the idea of a sudden, steep, and potentially hazardous situation in both physical and metaphorical contexts.
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Very steep; abrupt; dangerous; hasty; rash.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for PRECIPITOUS *
* 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.
Other Common Misspellings for PRECIPITOUS
Etymology of PRECIPITOUS
The word "precipitous" is derived from the Latin word "praecipitium", which means "steep descent" or "precipice". It is formed by combining the prefix "prae-" meaning "before" or "in front of", and "caput" meaning "head". In the literal sense, "praecipitium" referred to the steep edge of a cliff or a sheer drop. Over time, the word "precipitous" came to be used in a figurative sense to describe something that is steep, sudden, or hasty.
Similar spelling words for PRECIPITOUS
- precipitance,
- precipitin,
- Procopio,
- precipitation,
- preceptor,
- precipitant,
- precipitancy,
- precepts,
- precipitously,
- precipitator,
- Precipitious,
- Presbytis,
- precipice,
- precipitate,
- precepits,
- Paraspadiaeus,
- percepts,
- presbytes,
- prosopotocia,
- precipitating,
- precipitately,
- preceptorship,
- prociphilus.
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