precipice - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
precipice Word Meanings
- a very steep rock face or cliff
- a situation of great risk or danger
- a brink of disaster
precipice Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
precipice Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈprɛsɪpɪs/
US
/ˈprɛsɪpɪs/
precipice Word Etymology
Root decomposition: 'pre-' (before) + 'capere' (to seize) suggesting a place that seizes the attention or threatens a drop. Historical origin: from Latin 'praecipitium' → Old French 'precipice' → English. Memory image: Imagine standing at the edge of a dramatic cliff, feeling the adrenaline rush as you peer over the edge, evoking a sense of danger and height.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
precipice literally means a very steep rock face or cliff, and figuratively it can describe a situation of great risk or danger—the brink of disaster. The word traces to Latin praecipitium, passed into Old French as precipice, then into English. Learners often confuse it with precipitate or precipitation, and may misuse it when they mean merely a cliff. It is somewhat formal or literary; in everyday speech we might say cliff, edge, verge, or brink instead. A memorable image is standing at the lip of a wind-swept cliff, senses heightened by height and the sense that a misstep could be catastrophic.
Usage Reminders
- Use for literal cliffs and for figurative danger.
- Do not confuse with precipitation (weather).
- More formal or literary; everyday speech favors cliff or edge.
- Common in 'on the precipice' to express imminent disaster.
- Pair with verbs like stand on, teeter on, or be on the brink.
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing precipice with precipitation (weather).
- Thinking it describes any cliff rather than a particularly steep one.
- Using it in casual speech instead of cliff or edge.
- Mispronouncing as pre-SIP-iss rather than pre-SIH-piss.
- Forgetting the figurative sense can apply to near-disaster rather than literal.
Thinking Differences
For English learners, precipice blends literal and figurative senses; students tend to overuse it in casual talk or confuse it with similar terms like cliff or brink. The figurative sense often requires a high-stakes situation, not just any danger.
Learning Tips
- Listen for the context: literal cliff vs figurative danger.
- Pair with stand on or teeter on to show balance.
- Practice with phrases like on the brink or at the edge.
- Remember its formal tone; use simpler synonyms in casual speech.
- Check pronunciation: /ˈprɛsɪpɪs/.
- Create a memory image of a cliff edge to recall the meaning.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'precipice'?
A.A steep cliff or overhanging rock
B.A type of fabric
C.A regular shape in geometry
D.A good way to save money
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence correctly uses the word 'precipice'?
A.She enjoyed the view from the precipice while hiking.
B.He wrote a letter of apology from the precipice.
C.The cake was on the precipice of the table.
D.The artist painted a beautiful precipice of flowers.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'precipice'?
A.weight
B.story
C.cliff
D.carpet
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'precipice'?
A.height
B.valley
C.flat
D.roof
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario of standing on a high place and feeling the thrill of the height?
A.Standing at the edge of a tall building can make someone feel dizzy.
B.A person looked at the valley and felt calm.
C.Walking on a flat surface can be relaxing too.
D.Bicycling downhill can be a fun activity.
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