VocabDictionary

perilous

/หˆper.ษ™l.ษ™s/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Full of danger or risk; involving the potential for serious harm or loss.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œThe mountaineers began their perilous ascent of the north face during a blizzard.โ€
  • โ€œHe embarked on a perilous journey across the war-torn border to reach safety.โ€
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for โ€œperilousโ€.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old French 'perilleus', which traces back to the Latin 'periculosus', meaning 'full of danger'. The root 'periculum' originally referred to a 'trial' or 'attempt', suggesting that the word historically implied the danger inherent in taking a risk or undergoing a test.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'peril' (danger) + 'us'โ€”it is a perilous situation for all of us.

Frequently Asked Questions About โ€œperilousโ€

1. What is the meaning of โ€œperilousโ€ in English?

In English, perilous (adjective) is defined as: โ€œFull of danger or risk; involving the potential for serious harm or loss.โ€.

2. How do you use โ€œperilousโ€ in a sentence?

โ€œThe mountaineers began their perilous ascent of the north face during a blizzard.โ€

3. What are English synonyms of โ€œperilousโ€?

Common synonyms include:dangerous,hazardous,precarious,risky

4. What is the etymology and word origin of โ€œperilousโ€?

Derived from the Old French 'perilleus', which traces back to the Latin 'periculosus', meaning 'full of danger'. The root 'periculum' originally referred to a 'trial' or 'attempt', suggesting that the word historically implied the danger inherent in taking a risk or undergoing a test.