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precariously

pre·car·i·ous
P p

Transcription

    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • UK Pronunciation
    • UK IPA
    • [pri-kair-ee-uh s]
    • /prɪˈkɛər i əs/
    • /prɪˈkeə.ri.əs.li/
    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • [pri-kair-ee-uh s]
    • /prɪˈkɛər i əs/

Definitions of precariously word

  • adjective precariously dependent on circumstances beyond one's control; uncertain; unstable; insecure: a precarious livelihood. 1
  • adjective precariously dependent on the will or pleasure of another; liable to be withdrawn or lost at the will of another: He held a precarious tenure under an arbitrary administration. 1
  • adjective precariously exposed to or involving danger; dangerous; perilous; risky: the precarious life of an underseas diver. 1
  • adjective precariously having insufficient, little, or no foundation: a precarious assumption. 1

Information block about the term

Origin of precariously

First appearance:

before 1640
One of the 44% oldest English words
First recorded in 1640-50, precarious is from the Latin word precārius “obtained by entreaty or mere favor” (hence uncertain). See prayer1

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Precariously

noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation

precariously popularity

A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 74% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
This word is included in each student's vocabulary. Most likely there is at least one movie with this word in the title.

precariously usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for precariously

adv precariously

  • alarmingly — causing alarm or fear: an alarming case of pneumonia; an alarming lack of respect.
  • critically — inclined to find fault or to judge with severity, often too readily.
  • dangerously — full of danger or risk; causing danger; perilous; risky; hazardous; unsafe.
  • deplorably — causing or being a subject for grief or regret; lamentable: the deplorable death of a friend.
  • distressingly — great pain, anxiety, or sorrow; acute physical or mental suffering; affliction; trouble.

adverb precariously

  • daringly — In a daring manner; boldly; courageously; fearlessly; impudently.
  • harmfully — In a harmful manner.
  • hazardously — In a hazardous manner.

Antonyms for precariously

adverb precariously

  • funnily — providing fun; causing amusement or laughter; amusing; comical: a funny remark; a funny person.
  • minor — lesser, as in size, extent, or importance, or being or noting the lesser of two: a minor share.

Top questions with precariously

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  • what is precariously?
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See also

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