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Vertiginous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vertiginous

[vəˈrtɪdʒɪnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

causing dizziness or a spinning sensation; having a feeling of being off-balance

Synonyms

dizzy, spinning, unsteady.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vertiginous

This word is used in formal or literary contexts to describe something extremely high or steep, which makes you feel dizzy. It can also refer to a sensation that causes dizziness.

  • The vertiginous cliffs loomed over the crashing waves below.
  • Looking down from the vertiginous heights made him feel queasy.
dizzy

Commonly used in everyday language to describe a feeling of lightheadedness or the sensation that one's surroundings are spinning. It can be used to describe both physical sensations and overwhelmed emotional states.

  • After spinning around in circles, she felt dizzy and had to sit down.
  • The excitement of the fair left the children feeling dizzy.
spinning

Used to describe the sensation that everything around you is rotating. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a state of confusion or overwhelm.

  • He felt as if the room were spinning after his second glass of wine.
  • With so much information to process at once, her head was spinning.
unsteady

This word is used to describe a lack of stability or balance, either physically or emotionally. It often indicates a temporary or uncertain condition.

  • She took unsteady steps toward the exit, still recovering from the anesthesia.
  • His voice was unsteady as he tried to present his case.

Examples of usage

  • The vertiginous heights of the roller coaster made her feel dizzy.
  • The vertiginous cliffs overlooked the crashing waves below.
  • I couldn't look down from the vertiginous balcony without feeling a sense of unease.
Context #2 | Adjective

movement

characterized by or causing a spinning or whirling movement

Synonyms

spinning, twirling, whirling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vertiginous

Used to describe something that causes dizziness or is extremely steep and induces a feeling of vertigo. Often used in more formal or literary contexts.

  • The vertiginous cliffs were both awe-inspiring and terrifying
  • He felt a vertiginous sensation when looking down from the skyscraper
whirling

Used to describe fast, often chaotic spinning or rotating motion. Frequently used to talk about natural phenomena or intense activity.

  • The leaves were whirling in the autumn wind
  • His mind was whirling with questions
spinning

Describes rotational movement, commonly used in everyday language to talk about things that turn around a central point. Can also be used metaphorically to describe feeling dizzy or confused.

  • The child was spinning around in circles until she got dizzy
  • His head was spinning with all the information from the meeting
twirling

Often used to describe a graceful or playful spinning movement, typically used for people, objects like batons, or dance moves.

  • The ballerina was twirling elegantly on the stage
  • She couldn't stop twirling her hair while she waited

Examples of usage

  • The vertiginous dance moves of the performer captivated the audience.
  • The vertiginous winds whipped through the trees, causing them to sway wildly.

Translations

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

Origin of 'vertiginous'

The word 'vertiginous' originated from the Latin word 'vertiginosus', meaning 'dizzy or revolving'. It first appeared in English in the early 17th century. The term is often used to describe a feeling of dizziness or spinning, as well as movements that involve spinning or whirling.

See also: vertigo.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,568 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.