precipice
|pre/ci/pice|
C1
/ˈprɛsɪpɪs/
steep cliff or danger
Etymology
Etymology Information
'precipice' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'praecipitium,' where 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'caput' meant 'head.'
Historical Evolution
'praecipitium' transformed into the Old French word 'precipice,' and eventually became the modern English word 'precipice.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a headlong fall,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a steep cliff or dangerous situation.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a very steep or overhanging place, such as the face of a cliff.
The climbers carefully navigated the narrow path along the precipice.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42