PRECIPITATELY Meaning and
Definition
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Precipitately is an adverb that refers to an action or an event that occurs suddenly, hastily, or without careful consideration. It describes the act of doing something abruptly or rapidly, often without sufficient time for reflection or preparation.
The word "precipitately" can be used to describe various situations: someone might make a precipitate decision without thoroughly analyzing the consequences, or one might act precipitately in an emergency situation, taking immediate action without assessing all the possible risks. It implies a lack of caution or thoughtfulness, suggesting a swift or impulsive response.
In a more literal sense, "precipitately" can describe physical movement. For example, someone could descend a flight of stairs precipitately, rapidly moving downward or rushing down without regard for safety. It emphasizes the speed and urgency of the movement rather than a controlled or measured approach.
In summary, "precipitately" implies hasty or sudden action, often characterized by a lack of careful consideration or thought. It denotes swiftness, impulsiveness, or unpreparedness in decision-making, behavior, or physical movements.
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Headlong; in a hasty manner.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PRECIPITATELY
Etymology of PRECIPITATELY
The word "precipitately" derives from the Latin word "praecipitātus", which is the past participle of the verb "praecipitāre". "Praecipitāre" is a compound of the prefix "prae-" meaning "before" or "forward" and the verb "capere", which means "to take". This compound verb "praecipitāre" conveys the idea of "to throw forward", "to throw down", or "to hasten". Over time, this Latin term evolved into the Old French word "precipitatem" and eventually entered English as "precipitately" in the 15th century.
Similar spelling words for PRECIPITATELY
- precipatately,
- precipitating,
- precipitously,
- precipitin,
- precipitous,
- precipitant,
- precipitancy,
- precipitate,
- precipitance,
- precipitousness,
- precipitator,
- precipitateness,
- precipitation.
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