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"Perilous" vs. "dangerous": exploring nuances of risk

Reviewed and edited by Lloyd Cooper 16/11/2024, 10:34
English.me team member
Perilous and dangerous. What's the difference?

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?

Internet search results for perilous) and dangerous

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.
Dangerous
  • 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.

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