precipitately
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb: 1. In a sudden, hasty, and overly rapid manner; with excessive or rash speed. This describes an action done too quickly, often without proper thought, planning, or care, leading to potential negative consequences. It implies a headlong rush.
Usage
The adverb "precipitately" modifies verbs to describe how an action is performed—specifically, with reckless haste. * It is typically used in formal or literary contexts. * It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting the action was ill-advised due to its speed.
Examples
- The company precipitately launched the product without adequate testing, resulting in numerous customer complaints.
- Fearing the storm, the hikers precipitately abandoned their camp, leaving essential supplies behind.
- He resigned precipitately after the argument, a decision he later regretted.
Advanced Usage
- "To act precipitately": This is a common collocation meaning to take action with rash haste.
- The government was accused of acting precipitately in passing the new law.
Variants and Related Words
- Precipitate (verb): To cause an event or situation to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely.
- The scandal precipitated his resignation.
- Precipitate (adjective): Done with excessive or rash speed; hasty.
- It was a precipitate decision.
- Precipitation (noun): In chemistry and meteorology, this refers to a substance separated from a solution or moisture falling from the sky (rain, snow). The core idea of a "sudden falling" is related to the adverb's meaning of sudden action.
Synonyms
- Hastily: Done with excessive speed or urgency.
- Rashly: Acting without careful consideration of the consequences.
- Headlong: With reckless haste.
- Impetuously: Acting suddenly with force or passion, without thought.
Antonyms
- Deliberately: Done consciously and intentionally, often slowly.
- Cautiously: Done with careful forethought to avoid danger.
- Gradually: Happening in a slow, step-by-step manner.
Adverb
- at breakneck speed
- burst headlong through the gate