What does dangerously mean?
Dangerously is an adverb with two closely related uses. Its literal sense describes doing something in a way that risks serious harm — driving dangerously, behaving dangerously, or placing someone dangerously near a hazard. Its second, very common sense is intensifying: attached to words like 'close', 'low', 'high', or 'thin', it signals that something has reached an alarming or precarious degree, as when fuel runs dangerously low or a deadline looms dangerously close. In this role the word often appears in journalism and everyday speech to convey urgency without implying anyone is acting recklessly. Derived from the word 'danger', which entered English from Old French and ultimately traces back to Latin 'dominium' (power or control), it carries inherently negative connotations of threat and instability. A related idiom, 'to live dangerously', playfully reframes risk-taking as a virtue.
adverbIn a manner that is likely to cause harm, injury, or loss; also used as an intensifier meaning to a strikingly or worryingly great degree (as in 'dangerously close' or 'dangerously high').
- In a manner that poses a risk of harm, injury, or damage.
- To an alarmingly or worryingly great degree; used to intensify adjectives such as close, low, or high.
"The driver swerved dangerously close to the oncoming traffic."
"The hikers ventured dangerously near the edge of the cliff."
"Fuel levels had fallen dangerously low before the plane finally landed."
Despite its ominous name, 'dangerously' is often used for emphasis rather than actual peril — you can be 'dangerously close' to finishing a book without any risk at all.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of dangerously
Dangerously derives from 'dangerous', which entered Middle English from Old French 'dangereus'. The underlying noun 'danger' came into English from Old French around the 12th–13th century, ultimately stemming from Latin 'dominium' meaning power or lordship — reflecting an early sense of being under another's power. The adverb 'dangerously' developed by regular derivation, appearing in English by at least the late Middle English period. Cognates sharing the Latin root include 'damage' and 'damnable' via related Romance pathways.
How dangerously is actually used
Dangerously functions both literally (describing genuinely hazardous actions or conditions) and figuratively as an intensifier conveying that something has reached an alarming degree. The figurative use is common in everyday speech and news reporting. The phrase 'live dangerously' is a well-known idiomatic expression encouraging bold living.
Easily confused with dangerously
'Daringly' means boldly or courageously with a positive connotation, while 'dangerously' means in a way that risks harm and carries negative connotations.