Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a manner that involves or creates danger; in a way that is likely to cause harm or loss. The word describes an action performed with a high level of risk or peril.

Usage and Examples

• General Usage: Used to modify a verb, indicating that the action is performed in a risky or hazardous way.
  • He was driving dangerously fast on the wet road.
  • The chemicals were stored dangerously close to the heat source.
• With 'close': A common collocation is "dangerously close," meaning nearly reaching a point of harm, failure, or an undesirable state.
  • The water level rose dangerously close to the top of the dam.
  • Her comments came dangerously close to insulting the entire team.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Dangerously ill": A set phrase meaning very seriously or critically ill.
  • After the accident, she was dangerously ill for several weeks.
• Implication of Negligence or Recklessness: The adverb often implies that the risky manner is unnecessary or irresponsible.
  • The politician is dangerously underestimating the public's anger. (Suggests the underestimation is a reckless mistake that could lead to trouble.)

Variants and Related Words

• Dangerous (adjective): Full of danger or risk; able or likely to cause harm.
  • It is a dangerous mountain road at night.
• Danger (noun): The possibility of suffering harm or injury.
  • There is a danger of falling rocks.

Synonyms

• Perilously: In a way that is full of serious and immediate danger. (Often interchangeable with "dangerously," but can imply a more imminent threat.)
  • The building was perilously unstable.
• Hazardously: In a risky or potentially harmful manner. (More formal, often used in technical or safety contexts.)
  • The material must not be handled hazardously.
• Recklessly: Without regard for danger or the consequences of one's actions. (Focuses more on the careless attitude than the objective risk.)
  • He recklessly spent all his savings.

Antonyms

• Safely: In a way that avoids harm or risk.
  • The package arrived safely.
• Cautiously: In a careful way that avoids potential problems or dangers.
  • She proceeded cautiously with the negotiations.

Notes on Usage

• "Dangerously" vs. "In a dangerous manner": "Dangerously" is the standard, more concise adverb. "In a dangerous manner" is a more formal or emphatic paraphrase.
• Position in Sentence: Typically placed before the adjective or adverb it modifies (e.g., ), or after the verb it modifies (e.g., ).

Adverb

1. in a dangerous manner
   • he came dangerously close to falling off the ledge