peril
C1formal, literary, journalistic, legal
Definition
Meaning
serious and immediate danger
Exposure to the risk of harm, loss, or destruction; a source of danger. Often implies a threat that is not just possible but likely and severe.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often carries a more dramatic, grave, or literary tone than 'danger'. Implies a heightened level of risk and consequence. Frequently used in set phrases (e.g., 'in peril', 'perilous').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Slightly more common in British formal/literary contexts.
Connotations
Both varieties share connotations of grave danger, but American usage may be slightly more frequent in legal and insurance contexts.
Frequency
Low frequency in casual speech; high frequency in specific formal domains.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be in peril (of)put [someone/something] in perilface perilrecognise the peril ofVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in peril of one's life”
- “fools rush in where angels fear to tread (related concept)”
- “at one's peril”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in risk assessment: 'The company's reckless investments put its entire future in peril.'
Academic
Used in history/political science: 'The treaty was signed under the peril of immediate invasion.'
Everyday
Rare in casual talk; might be used for emphasis: 'You're driving in this storm at your own peril!'
Technical
Common in law and insurance: 'The policy does not cover losses due to the perils of the sea.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The climbers were acutely aware of the peril posed by the unstable ridge.
- The new evidence puts the entire conviction in grave peril.
American English
- Ignoring the evacuation order is to do so at your own peril.
- The film explores the moral perils of absolute power.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The sailors' lives were in peril during the terrible storm.
- The journalist reported from the city, fully conscious of the personal peril involved.
- The committee's findings suggest the economy is in imminent peril of a deep recession unless corrective measures are taken.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PERIL sounds like 'PEARL' - imagine a precious pearl being lost at sea, facing grave DANGER.
Conceptual Metaphor
DANGER IS A PHYSICAL FORCE / DANGER IS A LOCATION (e.g., 'in peril', 'zone of peril').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'риск' (risk) which is more neutral/probabilistic. 'Peril' is closer to 'опасность' or 'угроза' with a more severe, immediate connotation.
- Do not use for minor everyday risks.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb (incorrect: 'It perils the whole project'). Correct: 'It puts the whole project in peril.'
- Overusing in informal contexts where 'danger' is sufficient.
- Confusing spelling with 'pearl'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'peril' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Peril' suggests a more serious, imminent, and often life-threatening danger. It is more formal and literary. 'Danger' is the broader, more general, and neutral term.
No, 'peril' is only a noun. The related verb is 'imperil' (to put in peril).
Yes, the adjective 'perilous' is frequently used (e.g., a perilous journey). It is more common than the noun in some descriptive contexts.
It is an idiom meaning 'with the understanding that if one does this, one does so at one's own risk and will bear the negative consequences.' (e.g., Ignore these instructions at your peril.)
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