Precipitously: meaning, definitions and examples

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precipitously

 

[ prษชหˆsษชpษชtษ™sli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

sudden change

Precipitously refers to an action or event that occurs suddenly or rapidly, often in a way that is unexpected or steep. It is commonly used to describe a quick decline or increase in something, such as prices, conditions, or behaviors.

Synonyms

abruptly, dramatically, steeply, suddenly

Examples of usage

  • The stock market fell precipitously last week.
  • The hikers descended the mountain precipitously.
  • We noticed the temperatures dropped precipitously after sunset.

Translations

Translations of the word "precipitously" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น precipitadamente

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคคเฅ‡เคœเคผเฅ€ เคธเฅ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช steil

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ dengan tajam

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัั‚ั€ั–ะผะบะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ stromo

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ€ฅๆฟ€ใซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท prรฉcipitamment

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ precipitadamente

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท aniden

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ธ‰๊ฒฉํžˆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจุดูƒู„ ุญุงุฏ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ prudce

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ prudko

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ€ฅๅ‰งๅœฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ strmo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ brรกtt

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะฐั‚ั‚ั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒแƒฎแƒ•แƒ˜แƒšแƒแƒ“

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kษ™skin

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ precipitadamente

Word origin

The word 'precipitously' comes from the Latin 'praecipitem', which means 'headlong' or 'steep'. This in turn derives from 'praecipitare', meaning 'to throw or cast down'. The prefix 'pre-' implies 'before' or 'in front of', and 'caput' means 'head'. The evolution of the word reflects the concept of something falling or descending sharply, akin to the behavior of a steep cliff or a rapid decline. The adverb form was developed in the late 17th century as the usage of the root began to widen in various contexts, particularly in relation to geographical features and economic conditions. Initially used in literary descriptions, 'precipitously' has since become a common term used in both casual and formal discourse, particularly in discussions regarding volatility and abrupt changes.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,471, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.