precipitously
precipitously Lexical Profile
precipitously Game Scores & Validity
• adverb
Suddenly and dramatically; with extreme or hasty rapidity, especially in reference to a decline or fall.
"Housing prices in the region fell precipitously following the closure of the main factory."
In a very steep, sheer, or perpendicular manner.
"The narrow mountain trail drops precipitously into the canyon below."
Word Nuance & Usage
Traditionally, "precipitously" meant only "very steeply" (like a cliff), while "precipitately" meant "hastily or rashly." In modern standard English, however, "precipitously" is widely accepted and commonly used for both senses, particularly to describe sudden, dramatic drops.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed from the adjective "precipitous" plus the adverbial suffix "-ly," ultimately deriving from the Latin "praeceps" (meaning "headlong" or "steep"), a compound of "prae-" (before) and "caput" (head).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.