Definitions
- Describing a situation or condition that is unstable or uncertain. - Referring to something that is likely to fall or collapse. - Talking about a position or job that is not secure or stable.
- Describing a situation or condition that is dangerous or risky. - Referring to something that poses a threat to one's safety or well-being. - Talking about a journey or adventure that involves significant risk or danger.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe situations that involve risk or danger.
- 2Both words suggest a sense of uncertainty or instability.
- 3Both words can be used to describe physical or metaphorical situations.
What is the difference?
- 1Degree of danger: Perilous suggests a higher level of danger than precarious.
- 2Type of danger: Perilous implies immediate and serious danger, while precarious suggests a more general sense of instability or uncertainty.
- 3Cause of danger: Perilous often implies external factors causing danger, while precarious can refer to internal or external factors.
- 4Connotation: Perilous has a more negative connotation than precarious, which can also imply opportunity or potential for improvement.
- 5Usage: Perilous is less common than precarious in everyday language.
Remember this!
While both precarious and perilous describe situations involving risk or danger, there are differences in their degree and type of danger, cause of danger, connotation, and usage. Perilous suggests a higher level of immediate and serious danger caused by external factors, while precarious suggests a more general sense of instability or uncertainty caused by internal or external factors. Perilous has a more negative connotation and is less commonly used than precarious in everyday language.
