precipitously
急激に
解説 Definition
非常に急激に、険しく。崖のように切り立った様子や、急な変化を表す。
Precipitously means very suddenly, quickly, or steeply. It is often used to describe a sharp drop, rise, or change, especially in numbers, prices, or conditions. This is a more formal word than simply saying quickly.
覚え方のコツ Memory Tip
precipitous を知っていれば、-ly が付いた副詞だと見て「急激に／険しい勢いで」と取りやすい。核のイメージは precipice「断崖」と同じで、物事が崖から落ちるように一気に変わる感じ。 prices fell precipitously, profits declined precipitously のように、価格・利益・支持率などの急落でよく出る。 suddenly よりも変化の角度と落差が大きく、危うさまでにじむ語。 precipitate とつづりが近いので混同しないよう注意。
Link it to `precipice`, a steep cliff. `Precipitously` gives the feeling of something dropping like it fell off that cliff, so it is often used with prices, profits, or support. It is stronger than just `suddenly` because it suggests a sharp and dangerous change.
例文
The company's stock price fell precipitously after the scandal was revealed.
スキャンダルが明らかになった後、その会社の株価は急激に下落した。
The cliff dropped precipitously into the churning ocean below.
崖は下の荒れた海へ向かって切り立つように落ち込んでいた。
Temperatures dropped precipitously overnight, catching many residents unprepared.
気温が一晩で急激に下がり、多くの住民が備えのないまま不意を突かれた。
precipitously の類義語・関連語
precipitously の語源・成り立ち Etymology
precipitouslyはラテン語prae-「前へ」+ caput「頭」からできたpraeceps・praecipitareに由来します。precipiceやprecipitateも同根で、「頭から前のめりに落ちる」像があるので、崖の急さにも変化の激しさにも使われると分かります。
Precipitously comes from Latin roots meaning "headlong": prae- "forward" and caput "head," through forms like praeceps and praecipitare. The original image is of falling forward headfirst. That is why related words such as precipice and precipitate can suggest both steep physical descent and sudden, rapid change.
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