perilously

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English

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Etymology

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From Middle English perilously; equivalent to perilous +‎ -ly.

Adverb

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perilously (comparative more perilously, superlative most perilously)

  1. In a perilous manner.
    • 1951 February, K. Westcott Jones, “Some Australian Railway Byways”, in Railway Magazine, page 118:
      A rather interesting and notable convenience, however, is that of ice water bags, which are hung on to the outside of the coaches at certain stops. These can be reached by leaning out of the window rather perilously, to unhook them, and paper cups are stocked in the compartments.
    • 1988, Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul, William Heinemann Ltd, page 90:
      A door flopped open, wobbling perilously on its one remaining hinge.

Translations

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Middle English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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From perilous +‎ -ly.

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /pɛriˈluːsliː/, /ˈpɛr(i)lusliː/, /ˈpar(i)lusiː/, /-lit͡ʃ(ə)/

Adverb

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perilously

  1. In a way that is full of peril; harmfully, hurtfully.
  2. In a cruel way; strictly, ruthlessly.
  3. In a sinful way; evilly, iniquitously.

Descendants

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  • English: perilously, parlously

References

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