Definitions
- Describing a situation that is unstable or uncertain. - Referring to something that is likely to fall or collapse. - Talking about a position or circumstance that is dangerous or risky.
- Describing a situation that involves potential danger or harm. - Referring to an action or decision that may result in negative consequences. - Talking about a venture or investment that has a high probability of failure or loss.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe situations that involve potential danger or harm.
- 2Both words suggest a level of uncertainty or unpredictability.
- 3Both words can be used to caution against taking unnecessary risks.
- 4Both words can be used to describe situations that require careful consideration and evaluation.
What is the difference?
- 1Degree of danger: Precarious suggests a higher level of danger or instability than risky.
- 2Type of danger: Precarious implies physical danger or instability, while risky can refer to various types of danger, including financial, emotional, or social.
- 3Cause of danger: Precarious often implies external factors beyond one's control, while risky can be caused by one's own actions or decisions.
- 4Connotation: Precarious has a negative connotation and suggests a situation that is undesirable or unwanted, while risky can have a neutral or positive connotation depending on the context.
- 5Frequency of use: Risky is more commonly used than precarious in everyday language.
Remember this!
Precarious and risky are synonyms that describe situations involving potential danger or harm. However, precarious suggests a higher level of danger or instability, often related to physical circumstances beyond one's control. On the other hand, risky can refer to various types of danger and can be caused by one's own actions or decisions.
