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Precipitately: meaning, definitions and examples

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precipitately

 

[ prɪˈsɪpɪtətli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

manner of action

Precipitately means to act quickly and without careful consideration. It implies a sense of rashness or impulsiveness in the way something is done.

Synonyms

hastily, impulsively, quickly, rashly

Examples of usage

  • She precipitately made a decision without consulting anyone.
  • He precipitately left the meeting after hearing the news.
  • They precipitately advanced to the next phase of the project.
  • The storm came precipitately, leaving no time for preparation.

Etymology

The word 'precipitately' originates from the Latin word 'praecipitatus', which is the past participle of 'praecipitare'. This Latin term is derived from 'prae-' meaning 'before' and 'capere' meaning 'to seize'. In the context of its evolution, the term initially conveyed the sense of 'to throw headlong' or 'to fall headlong', which is closely associated with the concept of acting quickly and without thought. The word made its way into Middle English, retaining much of the original meaning related to suddenness and impulsiveness. Over time, it has been utilized to describe actions done hastily or without due deliberation, particularly in formal or literary contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,020, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.