How Do You Spell PRECARIOUSLY?

Pronunciation: [pɹɪkˈe͡əɹɪəsli] (IPA)

The word "precariously" is spelled as [pri-kair-ee-uhs-lee] in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "pri" is pronounced with a short "i" sound. The second syllable "kair" is pronounced with a long "a" sound. The third syllable "ee" is pronounced with a long "e" sound. The fourth syllable "uhs" is pronounced with a schwa sound. The fifth syllable "lee" is pronounced with a long "e" sound. The word means to be in a dangerous or unstable situation, and its spelling reflects the combination of Latin and French origins.

PRECARIOUSLY Meaning and Definition

  1. The adverb "precariously" relates to a condition, situation, or action that is characterized by a lack of stability, security, or certainty, and is likely to become uncertain, unstable, or dangerous. It describes something that is held, balanced, or situated in a precarious manner, meaning it may easily collapse, fall, fail, or be harmed. The term encompasses a notion of vulnerability, fragility, or delicacy.

    When applied to physical objects, it suggests that they are in a state of instability or vulnerability, posing potential risks or dangers. For example, a stack of books perched precariously on a wobbly table implies that the books could fall with even the slightest disturbance. Similarly, if someone is balancing on a narrow ledge high above the ground, they are in a precarious position, as any misstep could lead to a dangerous fall.

    Furthermore, "precariously" can also reflect a state of precariousness in abstract or metaphorical contexts. It may refer to an uncertain situation or position that lacks stability or reliability. For example, if a person's employment is described as precarious, it suggests that their job is uncertain, unstable, or at risk of being terminated. Similarly, if a company is operating precariously, it implies it is in a tenuous financial position or facing multiple challenges that jeopardize its viability.

    Overall, "precariously" implies a condition that is unstable, delicate, and at risk of changing for the worse, whether it be a physical aspect, situation, or abstract concept.

Top Common Misspellings for PRECARIOUSLY *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for PRECARIOUSLY

Etymology of PRECARIOUSLY

The word "precariously" comes from the Latin word "precarium", which means "obtained by entreaty" or "a request". It is derived from the verb "precari", which translates to "to pray" or "to beg". Over time, the term evolved to refer to something that is uncertain, perilous, or dependent on chance.

Similar spelling words for PRECARIOUSLY

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