French word

périlleux

Pronunciation

IPA/peʁijø/

Meaning

  • adjectivedangerous

Example

Ce passage est périlleux la nuit.

This passage is dangerous at night.

Illustration for périlleux (dangerous)

More examples

Gravir cette montagne sans équipement est périlleux.

Climbing this mountain without equipment is dangerous.

Core concept

A narrow route or undertaking where one mistake can lead to serious harm.

Common phrases

  • une situation périlleuse

    a dangerous situation

  • une décision périlleuse

    a dangerous decision

  • une aventure périlleuse

    a dangerous adventure

Similar words

dangereux: Involving danger that could cause injury or damage.
risqué: Likely to fail or cause problems, with potentially bad results.
hasardeux: Uncertain in outcome and dependent on chance, making it prone to danger.

Definition in French

Qui présente un danger réel ou un risque important pour la sécurité.

Word origin

Périlleux comes from Old French périlleus, formed from péril with the suffix -eux, while péril ultimately comes from Latin periculum, meaning danger.

Usage tips

  • Périlleux is more formal and dramatic than the common adjective dangereux, especially in descriptions and news writing.

Opposites

  • sûrsafeadjective
  • sécurisésecureadjective

Word lists with this word