Reading Theme:
Dangerous: Meaning, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：hazardous (dangerous)
dangerous
/ˈdeɪndʒərəs/
adj.
If something is dangerous, it can cause harm or injury.
hazardous
➕
/ˈhæzərdəs/
adj.
Describes something that has the potential to cause physical harm, injury, or death.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Originates from Latin 'dominium' (lordship) > Old French 'dangier' > 'dangerous'.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a red warning sign: 'DANGER' - crossing a high-voltage fence is dangerous.
📖 Example
Cycling on this busy street without a helmet is very dangerous.
Cycling on this busy street without a helmet is very dangerous.
🔗 Collocations
dangerous situation – a situation that could cause harm or injury
dangerous animal – an animal that may attack or cause injury
dangerous road – a road with high risk of accidents
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
danger (n.) – the possibility of suffering harm or injury
dangerously (adv.) – in a way that is likely to cause harm
endanger (v.) – to put someone or something at risk
📖 Cultural Story
In the 13th century, 'danger' shifted from meaning 'lord's power' to 'risk of injury'. Today it is a staple of warning labels and safety guidelines worldwide.
Meaning 2：risky (dangerous)
dangerous
/ˈdeɪndʒərəs/
adj.
If a plan or idea is dangerous, it's very risky and could lead to bad results.
risky
➕
/ˈrɪski/
adj.
Describes a plan, action, or idea that involves a high chance of failure, loss, or negative consequences.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Investing all your money in a single startup is a dangerous strategy.
Investing all your money in a single startup is a dangerous strategy.
🔗 Collocations
dangerous gamble – an action that involves great risk with uncertain outcome
dangerous precedent – an action that sets a risky example for future behavior
dangerous move – a decision that could have serious negative consequences
🔄 Synonyms
audacious (adj.) – showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks
speculative (adj.) – involving high risk of loss based on uncertain outcomes
precarious (adj.) – not securely held or in position; likely to fall or collapse
🚫 Antonyms
cautious (adj.) – careful to avoid potential problems or dangers
prudent (adj.) – acting with or showing care and thought for the future
conservative (adj.) – averse to change or innovation, in a good sense of low risk
🌱 Derivatives
dangerously (adv.) – in a way that is likely to cause harm or loss
dangerousness (n.) – the quality of being likely to cause harm
endanger (v.) – to put someone or something in a dangerous situation
Wordbook
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