Perilous
Adjective
Definition: Full of danger or risk; hazardous.
Synonyms: Dangerous, Risky, Unsafe, Precarious
Antonyms: Safe, Secure, Harmless
Examples:
- Climbing Mount Everest without proper equipment is perilous.
- Walking alone in a dark alley at night can be perilous.
Mnemonics:
- Think of the word "peril" which means danger or risk.
Etymology:
Origin:
From Old French "perilleux", from Latin "periculosus" (dangerous), from "periculum" (trial, risk, danger).
Historical Usage:The word has been in use since the late 14th century and has retained its meaning of danger or risk throughout history.
Related Idioms:
Idiom:
"Perilous journey"
Explanation:A journey that involves significant risks or dangers.
Misconceptions:
Misconception:
Confusing "perilous" with "perilious".
Explanation:"Perilous" is the correct term, while "perilious" is an obsolete form of the word.