"Perilous" vs. "dangerous": exploring nuances of risk
Reviewed and edited by
Lloyd Cooper 16/11/2024, 10:34
English.me team member

What is similar?
Both "perilous" and "dangerous" describe situations or conditions that involve risk, harm, or potential injury.
What is different?
The word "perilous" often connotes a more immediate or intense threat and is often used in formal or literary contexts, whereas "dangerous" is more commonly used in everyday language to describe a wide range of hazardous situations.
Which one is more common?

Examples of usage
Perilous- The explorers embarked on a perilous journey across the uncharted seas.
- Climbing the mountain during the storm was a perilous decision.
- The narrow path along the cliff presented a perilous challenge for the hikers.
- Driving fast on icy roads can be extremely dangerous.
- It's dangerous to leave candles unattended in a room.
- The chemical spill created a dangerous environment for the nearby residents.