Definitions
- Describing a situation that is risky or dangerous. - Referring to something that is uncertain or precarious. - Talking about something that is in a state of decline or deterioration.
- Describing a situation that is dangerous or hazardous. - Referring to something that poses a risk or threat to safety. - Talking about something that is fraught with danger or potential harm.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe situations that are dangerous or risky.
- 2Both words convey a sense of uncertainty or precariousness.
- 3Both words can be used to describe physical or metaphorical situations.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Parlous is less common and more archaic than perilous, which is widely used in modern English.
- 2Connotation: Parlous has a slightly more negative connotation, suggesting a situation that is not only dangerous but also uncertain or unstable, while perilous is more straightforward in its meaning of danger or risk.
- 3Formality: Parlous is considered more formal and literary than perilous, which is more commonly used in everyday language.
- 4Context: Parlous is often used in a broader, more abstract sense, while perilous is more specific and concrete in its usage.
Remember this!
Parlous and perilous are synonyms that both describe situations that are dangerous or risky. However, parlous is less common and more archaic, with a slightly more negative connotation of uncertainty or instability. Perilous, on the other hand, is widely used in modern English and has a more straightforward meaning of danger or risk.