Precipitous

Pronunciation: /prɪˈsɪpɪtəs/

Definitions of precipitous

adjective a term used to describe something that is extremely steep or sheer, often in reference to a cliff or slope

Example Sentences

A1 The mountain had a precipitous slope that made it difficult to climb.

A2 The hiker was not prepared for the precipitous drop in temperature as night fell.

B1 The company experienced a precipitous decline in sales after the scandal was revealed.

B2 The stock market saw a precipitous drop in value following the announcement of new tariffs.

C1 The diplomat faced a precipitous decision when negotiations broke down.

C2 The scientist warned of the precipitous consequences of ignoring climate change.

Examples of precipitous in a Sentence

formal The hiker faced a precipitous climb up the steep mountain slope.

informal The road down to the beach is pretty precipitous, so be careful driving.

slang I almost slipped on that precipitous hill, it's so steep!

figurative The company's stock took a precipitous plunge after the scandal was exposed.

Grammatical Forms of precipitous

• past tense: precipitated
• plural: precipitous
• comparative: more precipitous
• superlative: most precipitous
• present tense: precipitates
• future tense: will precipitate
• perfect tense: has precipitated
• continuous tense: is precipitating
• singular: precipitous
• positive degree: precipitous
• infinitive: to precipitate
• gerund: precipitating
• participle: precipitating

Origin and Evolution of precipitous

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'precipitous' originated from the Latin word 'praecipitium' which means steep or abrupt descent.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'precipitous' has retained its original meaning of steep or sheer, but has also come to be used metaphorically to describe situations or actions that are done hastily or without careful consideration.