Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Perilous: meaning, definitions and examples

⚠️
Add to dictionary

perilous

 

[ˈper.əl.əs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

in a dangerous situation

Full of danger or risk; exposed to imminent harm or threat

Synonyms

dangerous, hazardous, precarious, risky, unsafe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
perilous

Used to describe a situation that is full of danger and risk, often with a dramatic or literary tone.

  • Climbing the mountain in such weather is a perilous journey
  • The hero embarked on a perilous adventure through the enchanted forest
dangerous

Commonly used in everyday language to denote anything that can cause harm or injury.

  • The chemicals in the laboratory are dangerous if not handled properly
  • It's dangerous to walk alone at night in that part of the city
risky

Used to describe actions or business ventures that involve the possibility of loss or danger.

  • Investing in unknown startups can be very risky
  • Skydiving is a risky activity, but some people love the thrill
hazardous

Often used in formal or technical contexts to describe conditions that have the potential to cause harm, especially referring to health and safety regulations.

  • The company was fined for hazardous waste disposal
  • Working in the mining industry can be hazardous to your health
precarious

Refers to situations that are unstable or uncertain, often implying that something bad could easily happen.

  • The climber found himself in a precarious position on the cliff's edge
  • The country's economy is in a precarious state
unsafe

Directly refers to conditions or environments that are not safe, making it clear that there is an imminent danger or threat.

  • The old bridge is unsafe for vehicles
  • The neighborhood is unsafe after dark

Examples of usage

  • He decided to take the perilous journey through the mountains.
  • The expedition faced a perilous climb up the icy cliff.
  • The sailors encountered perilous waters during the storm.
  • She navigated the perilous terrain with caution.
  • The castle was perched on a perilous cliff overlooking the sea.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'perilous', which means 'full of danger'.
  • It traces back to the Old French word 'perilleux', derived from 'peril', which also signifies danger.
  • It has roots in the Latin word 'periculum', meaning 'risk or danger', indicating a long history of associating this word with threats.

Literature

  • In classic literature, perilous adventures often lead characters to discover their true selves, as seen in fabulous journeys of heroes.
  • Shakespeare frequently used the term to underscore the risks faced by his characters, highlighting the tension in plays like 'Julius Caesar'.
  • The word is integral in fantasy stories, often describing magical quests where the heroes encounter dangerous foes and obstacles.

Psychology

  • Feeling in peril can trigger the body's fight or flight response, preparing it to deal with threats.
  • Studies show that a sense of personal danger can amplify stress responses, affecting decision-making and perceptions of safety.
  • People often remember perilous situations vividly due to emotional arousal, linking danger to strong memories.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and books, perilous situations are often climactic moments that test characters' courage and resolve.
  • Adventure games often include perilous scenarios that players must navigate, adding excitement and tension to the gameplay.
  • Famous songs and lyrics touch on themes of perilous love affairs, emphasizing the emotional risks involved.

History

  • Exploration during the Age of Discovery was often perilous, as sailors faced storms, unknown lands, and sea monsters in myths.
  • Historical battles were perilous events where soldiers risked everything for victory, reflecting the gravity of warfare.
  • Pioneers in the American West often encountered perilous conditions, confronting harsh terrain and hostile situations.

Translations

Translations of the word "perilous" in other languages:

🇵🇹 perigoso

🇮🇳 खतरनाक

🇩🇪 gefährlich

🇮🇩 berbahaya

🇺🇦 небезпечний

🇵🇱 niebezpieczny

🇯🇵 危険な (kiken'na)

🇫🇷 dangereux

🇪🇸 peligroso

🇹🇷 tehlikeli

🇰🇷 위험한 (wiheomhan)

🇸🇦 خطير

🇨🇿 nebezpečný

🇸🇰 nebezpečný

🇨🇳 危险的 (wēixiǎn de)

🇸🇮 nevaren

🇮🇸 hættulegur

🇰🇿 қауіпті

🇬🇪 სახიფათო

🇦🇿 təhlükəli

🇲🇽 peligroso

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,379, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.