precipitous etymology

Etymology

• Latin: "praecipitium" (a headlong fall, steep place)
• Source: "prae-" (before) + "caput" (head)

Meaning

• Sudden, steep, or abrupt
• Characterized by a rapid or headlong descent
• Dangerous or risky

Origin

The word "precipitous" derives from the Latin word "praecipitium," which referred to a headlong fall or a steep place. The Latin prefix "prae-" means "before" or "in front of," while the root "caput" means "head."

The term "precipitous" was originally used to describe physical features, such as cliffs or waterfalls, that had a steep or vertical drop. Over time, its meaning expanded to include metaphorical uses, such as describing sudden or drastic changes in events or situations.

precipitous relate terms

• precipitation

  Etymology precipitare Latin to fall rush down prae Latin prefix before down

• precipitious

  Etymology The word precipitous comes from the Latin word praeceps meaning headlong

• precipitous

  Etymology Latin praecipitium a headlong fall steep place Source prae before

• abrupt

  Etymology From Latin abruptus participle of abrumpere meaning to break off or

• sharp

  Etymology Sharp originates from the Old English word scearp meaning cutting or point

• hasty

  Etymology Late Middle English from Middle English haste hastif from Anglo Norman Fre

• steep

  Etymology The word steep comes from the Old English word stēap which means high

• peak

  Etymology The word peak comes from the Middle English word pek which is believed to

• precipitate

  Etymology Late Latin praecipitat praecipitatus past participle of praecipitare to h

• precipitant

  Etymology The word precipitant originates from the Latin verb praecipitare meaning

• flesh

  Etymology of Flesh The word flesh comes from the Old English word flǣsc which is

• surgery

• inflation

  Etymology Inflation derives from the Latin word inflatio genitive inflationis mea