Perilously: meaning, definitions and examples

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perilously

 

[ ˈperɪləsli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

used in a dangerous or risky situation

In a way that involves or exposes someone to danger or risk.

Synonyms

dangerously, precariously, risky

Examples of usage

  • He clung perilously to the edge of the cliff.
  • The bridge swayed perilously in the strong wind.
  • The situation was becoming perilously close to disaster.
Context #2 | Adverb

used to describe a situation that is on the verge of becoming very dangerous

In a way that is very close to being extremely risky or hazardous.

Synonyms

at the edge, on the brink, precariously

Examples of usage

  • The bookshelf was stacked so perilously that it seemed ready to collapse at any moment.
  • She walked perilously close to the edge of the rooftop.

Translations

Translations of the word "perilously" in other languages:

🇵🇹 perigosamente

🇮🇳 खतरनाक रूप से

🇩🇪 gefährlich

🇮🇩 berbahaya

🇺🇦 небезпечним чином

🇵🇱 niebezpiecznie

🇯🇵 危険に

🇫🇷 périlleusement

🇪🇸 peligrosamente

🇹🇷 tehlikeli bir şekilde

🇰🇷 위험하게

🇸🇦 بشكل خطير

🇨🇿 nebezpečně

🇸🇰 nebezpečne

🇨🇳 危险地

🇸🇮 nevarno

🇮🇸 hættulega

🇰🇿 қауіпті түрде

🇬🇪 სახიფათოდ

🇦🇿 təhlükəli şəkildə

🇲🇽 peligrosamente

Word origin

The word 'perilously' derives from the word 'peril,' which comes from the Latin 'perīculum' meaning 'danger.' The suffix '-ously' is added to form an adverb. The concept of peril has been present in human language for centuries, reflecting our awareness of danger and risk in various situations.

See also: perilous.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,086, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.