PERILOUSLY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does perilously mean? 

• PERILOUSLY (adverb)
  The adverb PERILOUSLY has 1 sense:

1. in a dangerous manner

  Familiarity information: PERILOUSLY used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• PERILOUSLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In a dangerous manner

Synonyms:

dangerously; hazardously; perilously

Context example:

he came dangerously close to falling off the ledge

Pertainym:

perilous (fraught with danger)

 Context examples 

He stumbled with his old awkwardness after her, and his shoulders swung and lurched perilously.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

The first and second headlands were directly in line with the south-west wind; but once around the second,—and we went perilously near,—we picked up the third headland, still in line with the wind and with the other two.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

Being only 'a glorious human boy', of course he frolicked and flirted, grew dandified, aquatic, sentimental, or gymnastic, as college fashions ordained, hazed and was hazed, talked slang, and more than once came perilously near suspension and expulsion.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)