What does precipitously mean?
Precipitously means in a sudden, rapid, or uncontrolled manner, and it can also describe movement that is extremely steep. The word is often used to describe abrupt changes in weather, prices, fortunes, or fortunes of a journey, as in a sudden fall in temperature or a precipitous decline in profits. In descriptions of terrain or movement, it emphasizes the steepness of a descent: a path may slope precipitously, or an aircraft may descend precipitously through cloud. The adverb conveys both speed and potential danger or instability, making it more forceful and vivid than simply saying that something happened quickly. Its literary and formal character makes it especially useful in reporting, analysis, and descriptive prose, although it is also common in general writing.
adverbIn a rapid, sudden, or uncontrolled way. It can also describe a movement or decline that is extremely steep.
- With great speed, abruptness, or lack of control.
- In a very steep or precipitous manner.
"The company’s profits fell precipitously after the announcement."
"Temperatures dropped precipitously overnight."
"The aircraft descended precipitously through the storm clouds."
A precipitous event can be understood as one that is not merely steep, but dangerously sudden and hard to control.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does precipitously come from?
The word is an adverb formed from “precipitous,” which ultimately comes from Latin, where forms related to praecipitare referred to hurrying, throwing down, or falling headlong. English developed the associated sense of extreme steepness through the noun “precipice,” meaning a very steep or precipitous descent. Over time, the adjective “precipitous” came to describe abrupt and dangerous changes as well as steep slopes, and “precipitously” developed its modern adverbial uses.
How precipitously is actually used
The adverb is often used in formal or descriptive writing. Its first sense emphasizes sudden, rapid change or action, while the second is especially common when describing a descent, slope, or movement. It can suggest danger or loss of control.
Easily confused with precipitously
Precipitous describes a steep descent, slope, or change, whereas precipitously describes something done with great speed or abruptness.