adj
precipitous
Precipitous (adj) means Very steep, like the edge of a cliff.
adj
1
Very steep, like the edge of a cliff.
"When the wind is in the right direction, hang-gliders launch themselves giddily into space from the precipitous bank."
— AA Book of British Villages, Drive Publications Ltd (1980)
2
Done too quickly, without proper thought.
Easily confused with
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Etymology
Came from obsolete French précipiteux, from Vulgar Latin *praecipitōsus, from praeceps, praecipit- (“precipice”) plus -ōsus (“-ful, -ous”), from prae- (“before”) and caput (“head”). It is equivalent to precipice (“steep cliff, brink”) plus -ous.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for precipitous
See all rhymes for precipitous →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of precipitous?
"precipitous" (adj) means very steep, like the edge of a cliff.
What is another word for precipitous?
Other words for "precipitous" include precipitant, overhasty, hasty, precipitate, abrupt, sharp.
What is the opposite of precipitous?
Opposites of "precipitous" include shallow, prudent.
What are the different meanings of precipitous?
"precipitous" has 2 main meanings: 1. Very steep, like the edge of a cliff; 2. Done too quickly, without proper thought.
