precipice

[ˈprɛsəpɪs]

precipice Definition

• 1. a very steep rock face or cliff, typically a tall one
• 2. a point where danger, trouble, or difficulty begins

Using precipice: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "precipice" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The climbers were standing on the edge of a precipice.

• Example

  The country is on the precipice of economic collapse.

• Example

  The company is on the precipice of bankruptcy.

• Example

  She felt like she was standing on the precipice of a nervous breakdown.

precipice Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for precipice

• crag
• escarpment
• bluff
• cliff
• drop-off

Antonyms for precipice

• plain
• flatland

Phrases with precipice

• on the brink/edge of a precipice

  at the point where a dangerous or disastrous situation is about to begin

  Example

  The company was on the brink of bankruptcy before they received a large investment.

• a precipice of despair

  a state of extreme hopelessness or sadness

  Example

  After losing her job and her home, she felt like she was standing on a precipice of despair.

• a moral precipice

  a point where a person must make a difficult ethical decision

  Example

  The politician found himself on a moral precipice when he was asked to vote for a bill that went against his values.

Origins of precipice

from Latin 'praecipitium', meaning 'a steep place'

📌

Summary: precipice in Brief

The term 'precipice' [ˈprɛsəpɪs] refers to a very steep rock face or cliff, or a point where danger, trouble, or difficulty begins. It can be used literally, as in 'The climbers were standing on the edge of a precipice,' or figuratively, as in 'The country is on the precipice of economic collapse.' Other phrases include 'on the brink/edge of a precipice,' 'a precipice of despair,' and 'a moral precipice.'