precipitously

An adverb meaning "very steeply," "abruptly," or "in a sudden and dramatic manner." It can describe a physical steep drop (e.g., a cliff) or a figurative sudden change (e.g., a decline in value or a hasty decision made without careful thought).

• 🇫🇷Adverbe signifiant « de manière très raide », « soudainement » ou « de façon brusque et dramatique ». Il peut décrire une descente physique très pentue (comme une falaise) ou un changement soudain au sens figuré (comme une chute de valeur ou une décision hâtive prise sans réflexion approfondie).

1. Steeply or sharply C1 formal

   In a way that is very steep or vertical.

   • The cliff dropped precipitously into the ocean.
   • The path descended precipitously through the mountain pass.
   • The terrain rose precipitously ahead of them.

   🇫🇷À pic, abruptement

   Synonymes: abruptlysharplysteeplyvertically

   Antonymes: gentlygradually

2. Suddenly or abruptly C1 formal

   In a way that happens very quickly and unexpectedly.

   • The stock market fell precipitously after the announcement.
   • Her health declined precipitously over the winter.
   • The temperature dropped precipitously overnight.

   🇫🇷soudainement, brusquement

   Synonymes: abruptlyhastilyprecipitatelysuddenlyunexpectedly

   Antonymes: gradually

3. Hastily or rashly C2 formal

   In a way that is done too quickly without careful thought.

   • He acted precipitously without considering the consequences.
   • She resigned precipitously after the disagreement.
   • The decision was made precipitously, leading to many problems.

   🇫🇷de manière précipitée / hâtivement

   Synonymes: carelesslyhastilyheedlesslyimpetuouslyimpulsivelyrashlythoughtlessly

   Antonymes: carefullycautiouslydeliberatelyprudentlythoughtfully

• more precipitously comparative form
• most precipitously superlative form