precipice
Noun
Hard difficulty
What does “precipice” mean?
noun.a very steep rock face or cliff, typically a very tall one.
SAT Usage
this term is often found in passages discussing danger, risk, or critical decision-making, emphasizing a precarious situation that requires careful navigation. It conveys a sense of urgency and potential disaster, differentiating it from similar words like "cliff," which lacks the connotation of imminent peril.
Common Confusions
Precipice implies an imminent danger or critical decision point, while cliff usually suggests a mere physical height without the connotation of urgency or risk.
Do not choose precipice if the context emphasizes a gradual slope or flat surface rather than a very steep rock face or cliff, typically a very tall one.
Example Sentences
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The hiker stood on the precipice of a stunning cliff.