Precipice Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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precipice

[ˈprɪsɪpɪs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

dangerous

A very steep rock face or cliff, typically a tall one.

Synonyms

bluff, cliff, crag, escarpment, ridge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
precipice	A very steep or vertical face of a cliff or a dangerous situation close to disaster. He stood on the edge of a precipice, looking down at the raging sea. The company was on the precipice of bankruptcy.
cliff	A high, steep face of rock, typically used in both natural and dramatic contexts. The birds nested on the cliffs by the sea. He survived a dramatic cliffhanger in the movie.
crag	A steep, rugged rock or a rocky outcrop, often used to describe challenging terrain for climbing. They scaled the crag in search of rare plants. A castle perched on a craggy summit.
bluff	A broad, steep cliff, often near a river or coast. Can also mean to deceive or trick someone. We walked along the river until we reached a high bluff. She was bluffing about knowing the answer.
escarpment	A long, steep slope at the edge of a plateau or separating areas of land at different heights, often used in geological contexts. The village lay at the foot of a steep escarpment. They trekked along the escarpment admiring the view.
ridge	A long, narrow hilltop, mountain range, or watershed, commonly used in both geographical and descriptive contexts. From the ridge, they could see the entire valley below. The soldiers marched along the ridge to avoid detection.

Examples of usage

He stood at the edge of the precipice, looking down into the abyss below.
The hikers carefully navigated the narrow path along the precipice.
The castle was perched on the edge of a precipice, overlooking the valley.
One wrong step could send you tumbling over the precipice.
The village was nestled at the base of a towering precipice.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

metaphorical

A hazardous situation; a position of great peril.

Synonyms

brink, cusp, edge, threshold, verge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
precipice	Used to describe a very steep rock face or cliff, often metaphorically to describe being on the brink of danger or disaster. Standing on the precipice, she felt a rush of fear. They are on the precipice of economic collapse.
brink	Describes being at the very edge of something, especially a disaster or significant change. The country was on the brink of war. Scientists are on the brink of a major breakthrough.
verge	Describes being very close or on the border of something, often used to indicate something imminent. He was on the verge of tears. The project is on the verge of completion.
edge	A general term that describes the boundary or margin of something, can be literal or metaphorical. They sat on the edge of the cliff, looking out at the sea. He was on the edge of his seat during the movie.
threshold	Typically used to describe the entry point to a new state or condition, often metaphorical. She stood at the threshold of her new life. The company is on the threshold of a new era.
cusp	Used to indicate the point at which something is about to change, particularly when two states meet or transition. She was on the cusp of a new career. The technology is on the cusp of becoming mainstream.

Examples of usage

The company teetered on the precipice of bankruptcy.
His reckless behavior brought him to the precipice of disaster.
The negotiations reached a critical point, teetering on the precipice of failure.
The country stood on the precipice of war, with tensions running high.
Their relationship was on the precipice of collapse, hanging by a thread.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Geography

Many famous natural landmarks, like the Grand Canyon, have precipices that attract climbers and tourists.
Precipices often create stunning views and ecosystems, particularly in mountainous regions.

Literature

In literature, standing at a precipice often symbolizes a crucial decision point or a moment of tension.
Authors like Edgar Allan Poe have used precipices as metaphors for psychological distress or fear in narratives.

Psychology

The concept of a precipice can represent life's major transitions, where one must face potential risks.
Experiencing the feeling of standing at a precipice can evoke adrenaline, often associated with thrill-seeking behaviors.

Safety and Adventure

Climbers and adventurers often undergo training to safely navigate and assess the dangers of cliffs and precipices.
Safety regulations around hiking near precipices often include barriers and warning signs to prevent accidents.

Origin of 'precipice'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'praecipitem', which means 'to fall' or 'to plunge'.
In older texts, it was used to describe not only physical cliffs but also metaphorical dangers or risky situations.

The word 'precipice' originated from the Latin word 'praecipitium', which means 'steep place'. It has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe a steep rock face or a hazardous situation. The imagery of standing at the edge of a precipice has been a powerful symbol of danger and risk throughout literature and art.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,743, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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