Yahoo Web Search

Search results

1. Dictionary

   Pre·cip·i·tous

   /prēˈsipədəs/

   

   adjective

   • 1. dangerously high or steep: "the precipitous cliffs of the North Atlantic coast" Similar steepsheerhighperpendicularabruptsharpdizzyvertiginousverticalbluffrare:acclivitousdeclivitous
   • ▪ (of a change to a worse situation or condition) sudden and dramatic: "the end of the war led to a precipitous decline in exports" Similar suddenrapidswiftabruptmeteoricheadlongspeedyquickfasthurriedbreakneckviolentprecipitateunexpectedwithout warningunanticipatedunforeseenrare:precipitant
   • 2. (of an action) done suddenly and without careful consideration: "precipitous intervention" Similar hastyoverhastyrashhurriedrushedimpetuousimpulsivespur-of-the-momentprecipitateincautiousimprudentinjudiciousill-advisedheedlessrecklessharebrainedfoolhardyinformal:harum-scarumpreviousrare:temerarious

   Word Origin mid 17th century: from obsolete French précipiteux, from Latin praeceps, praecip(it)- ‘steep, headlong’ (see precipitate).

   Derivatives

   • 1. precipitousness noun

   Scrabble Points: 17

   • P

     3

   • R

     1

   • E

     1

   • C

     3

   • I

     1

   • P

     3

   • I

     1

   • T

     1

   • O

     1

   • U

     1

   • S

     1

   Powered by Oxford Languages

   More Definitions, Word Origin & ScrabbleShow less