Precipitous
hardprih-SIP-ih-tus
adjective
Definition
Dangerously high or steep; done suddenly without careful consideration
Examples
“The precipitous cliff rose above the valley.”
“The precipitous decline in sales alarmed shareholders.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Precipitous is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "steep" or "sheer" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "gradual".
Related GRE Words
curt
Rudely brief or abrupt in speech or manner
precipitate
(verb/adjective) To cause to happen suddenly; done hastily without thought
ubiquitous
Present, appearing, or found everywhere
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
abscond
To leave secretly and hide, especially to avoid arrest or prosecution
ameliorate
To make something bad or unsatisfactory better
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