Dangerous: Definition and Part of Speech
Dangerous is an adjective used to describe something or someone likely to cause harm or pose a threat. This word conveys a sense of potential risk or hazard, making it versatile across various contexts. The noun form related to this adjective is “danger,” while the verb forms include “dare” and “dungeon,” which are distinct in meaning and usage.
Core Synonyms
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perilous | Suggests a high risk or likelihood of harm, often used in formal contexts. | “The perilous mountain climb required skilled climbers and proper equipment.” | Formal/Technical |
| Hazardous | Implies something that can cause damage or injury, commonly used in scientific or technical writing. | “Handling hazardous chemicals without protection is strictly prohibited.” | Technical/Business |
| Risky | Indicates a situation with uncertain outcomes; often more casual than dangerous. | “Investing in volatile stocks is risky but might be rewarding if done wisely.” | Casual/Informal |
| Treacherous | Conveys deceit or danger, especially related to landscapes; has an adventurous undertone. | “The treacherous river rapids were avoided by experienced kayakers.” | Creative/Adventurous |
| Menacing | Evokes a sense of threat often used in contexts involving human behavior or atmosphere. | “His menacing glare made everyone at the meeting tense up immediately.” | Literary/Creative |
Usage Notes
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Perilous: Ideal for formal writing where precision is important, such as technical manuals or academic papers discussing risky procedures.
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Hazardous: Best suited for scientific or business settings where specific regulations are discussed, like safety guidelines in a lab manual.
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Risky: Common in everyday conversation and informal writing. It’s often used when describing personal decisions that involve uncertainty but not extreme danger.
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Treacherous: Frequently found in adventure stories or descriptions of difficult terrain. It adds an element of drama to the narrative.
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Menacing: Typically appears in literary contexts where atmosphere is key, such as thrillers or suspense novels, to convey a looming threat often related to people rather than environments.
Common Pitfalls
A common mistake is using synonyms interchangeably without considering their nuances and connotations. For instance:
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“Perilous” and “risky” might seem similar but differ in formality and intensity.
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“Menacing” focuses more on behavior or atmosphere, whereas “hazardous” typically describes physical dangers.
Understanding these differences ensures that the chosen word effectively communicates the intended level of risk.
Final Recap
The primary synonyms for dangerous include perilous, hazardous, risky, treacherous, and menacing. Each carries its unique shade of meaning:
- Perilous is best in formal contexts where high-risk situations are described.
- Hazardous suits scientific or technical settings.
- Risky fits casual conversations about uncertain outcomes.
- Treacherous adds adventurous flair to descriptions of environments.
- Menacing evokes human threats and suspenseful atmospheres.
To master these nuances, practice using the synonyms in various contexts through writing exercises or conversation. This will help expand your vocabulary while ensuring precise communication.