Parlous vs Perilous: Fundamental Differences Of These Terms

Are you confused about whether to use “parlous” or “perilous” in your writing? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between parlous and perilous, and help you choose the right word for your writing.

First things first: which of these words is the proper one to use? The answer is…both! Parlous and perilous are both valid words in English, but they have different connotations and uses.

Parlous is an adjective that means “full of danger or uncertainty; precarious.” It can also mean “difficult or risky.” For example, you might say “I’m in a parlous financial situation” or “The country’s economy is in a parlous state.”

Perilous is also an adjective, but it means “full of danger or risk; hazardous.” It can also mean “exposed to danger or harm.” For example, you might say “The mountain road was perilous” or “The soldiers faced a perilous mission.”

While these definitions might seem similar, there are subtle differences in their usage. Parlous is often used to describe a situation or condition that is risky or uncertain, while perilous is used to describe a physical environment or activity that is dangerous.

Now that we’ve cleared up the difference between these two words, let’s dive deeper into their meanings and usage in the English language.

Parlous

Parlous is an adjective that means full of danger or uncertainty, precarious, risky, or hazardous. It is an old-fashioned word that is not commonly used nowadays, but it is still found in literature and historical texts. The word has its roots in the Old French word “perillous” which means dangerous or hazardous.

Perilous

Perilous is also an adjective that means full of danger or risk, hazardous, or unsafe. It is a more commonly used word than parlous and can be found in everyday language and literature. The word has its roots in the Latin word “periculosus” which means dangerous or hazardous.

Comparison Table: Parlous vs Perilous

Parlous	Perilous
Old-fashioned word	Commonly used word
Rooted in Old French	Rooted in Latin
Full of danger or uncertainty	Full of danger or risk
Precarious, risky, or hazardous	Hazardous or unsafe

Both parlous and perilous are adjectives that describe something that is dangerous or risky. However, parlous is an old-fashioned word that is not commonly used nowadays, while perilous is a more commonly used word that can be found in everyday language and literature. The roots of the words are also different, with parlous having its roots in the Old French language and perilous having its roots in Latin.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to using words in a sentence, it is important to understand their meanings and nuances. In this section, we will explore the proper usage of the words parlous and perilous.

How To Use Parlous In A Sentence

The word parlous is an adjective that means dangerous or risky. It is often used to describe a situation that is fraught with peril or uncertainty. Here are a few examples of how to use parlous in a sentence:

• The economy is in a parlous state due to the pandemic.
• The political situation in the country is becoming increasingly parlous.
• She found herself in a parlous situation when she lost her job and couldn’t pay the rent.

As you can see from these examples, parlous is typically used to describe a situation or condition that is precarious or hazardous. It is often used in a negative context to convey a sense of danger or risk.

How To Use Perilous In A Sentence

Like parlous, the word perilous is also an adjective that means dangerous or risky. However, perilous is often used to describe a situation or condition that is even more hazardous or life-threatening. Here are a few examples of how to use perilous in a sentence:

• The mountain climber faced a perilous journey to the summit.
• The ship was in perilous waters and could capsize at any moment.
• The driver narrowly avoided a perilous collision with a truck on the highway.

As you can see from these examples, perilous is typically used to describe a situation or condition that is extremely dangerous or life-threatening. It is often used in a dramatic context to convey a sense of urgency or peril.

Overall, it is important to use these words correctly in order to convey the appropriate meaning in your writing. Whether you are describing a situation that is parlous or perilous, be sure to choose the word that best conveys the level of danger or risk involved.

More Examples Of Parlous & Perilous Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use parlous and perilous in sentences. By using these examples, you will gain a better understanding of how to use these words in context.

Examples Of Using Parlous In A Sentence

• The economy is in a parlous state due to the pandemic.
• The company’s financial situation is parlous, and they may have to file for bankruptcy.
• The political situation in the country is parlous, with protests and violence on the rise.
• The environment is in a parlous state due to pollution and climate change.
• His health was in a parlous condition, and he needed immediate medical attention.
• The education system is in a parlous state, with many schools lacking adequate resources.
• The team’s performance was parlous, and they lost the game by a large margin.
• The housing market is in a parlous state, with prices skyrocketing and affordability decreasing.
• The security situation in the city is parlous, with crime rates increasing every year.
• The relationship between the two countries is in a parlous state, with tensions rising.

Examples Of Using Perilous In A Sentence

• The journey through the mountains was perilous, with steep cliffs and narrow paths.
• The storm made the sea perilous for sailors, with high waves and strong winds.
• The expedition into the jungle was perilous, with dangerous animals and unknown terrain.
• The situation in the war-torn country is perilous, with violence and unrest everywhere.
• The construction site was perilous, with heavy machinery and workers at risk of injury.
• The driver took a perilous risk by driving through the red light.
• The hiker’s journey through the wilderness was perilous, with unpredictable weather and rugged terrain.
• The decision to invest in the risky venture was perilous, with the possibility of losing everything.
• The astronaut’s spacewalk was perilous, with the danger of floating away into space.
• The situation in the pandemic is perilous, with the virus spreading rapidly and overwhelming healthcare systems.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Using parlous and perilous interchangeably is a common mistake that many people make. Although both words have similar meanings, they are not interchangeable. Here are some of the common mistakes people make when using parlous and perilous interchangeably:

Mistake #1: Using Parlous Instead Of Perilous

One of the most common mistakes people make is using parlous instead of perilous. While both words mean dangerous or risky, parlous is an outdated term that is rarely used in modern English. Perilous is the more appropriate word to use in most situations. For example:

• Incorrect: The mountain trail was parlous.
• Correct: The mountain trail was perilous.

Mistake #2: Using Perilous Instead Of Parlous

Another mistake people make is using perilous instead of parlous. Although parlous is an uncommon word, it has a specific meaning that is different from perilous. Parlous means full of danger or uncertainty, while perilous means dangerous or risky. For example:

• Incorrect: The political situation in the country was perilous.
• Correct: The political situation in the country was parlous.

Mistake #3: Using Both Words Interchangeably

Some people use both words interchangeably without realizing that they have different meanings. It’s important to understand the nuances of each word and use them appropriately. For example:

• Incorrect: The parlous journey across the ocean was filled with perilous storms.
• Correct: The perilous journey across the ocean was filled with parlous uncertainty.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:

• Use perilous instead of parlous in most situations.
• Only use parlous when you mean full of danger or uncertainty.
• Understand the nuances of each word before using them interchangeably.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words “parlous” and “perilous” can depend on the context in which they are used. While they are synonyms, there are subtle differences in their usage that can affect the tone and meaning of a sentence.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “parlous” and “perilous” might change:

Context	Example Sentence	Preferred Word
Describing a Dangerous Situation	The hikers found themselves in a ______ situation when they realized they were lost.	perilous
Expressing Concern	The politician’s ______ remarks about immigrants caused outrage.	parlous
Historical Context	During the ______ times of the Great Depression, many people struggled to survive.	parlous
Describing a Risky Venture	The entrepreneur’s new business idea was ______, but could also be very profitable.	parlous

As you can see, the choice between “parlous” and “perilous” can depend on the specific context in which they are used. It’s important to consider the tone and meaning you want to convey when choosing between these two words.

Exceptions To The Rules

Identifying Exceptions

While the rules for using “parlous” and “perilous” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where these rules may not apply. These exceptions are often related to the context in which the words are being used, as well as the intended meaning behind them.

Explaining And Providing Examples

One exception to the rules for using “parlous” and “perilous” is when the words are being used in a figurative sense. In this case, the distinction between the two words becomes less important, as the intended meaning is more about the general sense of danger or risk, rather than the specific connotations of each word.

For example, if someone were to say that a particular situation was “parlous” or “perilous,” they might be using the words interchangeably to convey a sense of danger or risk. In this context, it would be more important to focus on the overall meaning of the sentence, rather than getting caught up in the specific nuances of each word.

Another exception to the rules for using “parlous” and “perilous” is when the words are being used in a historical or literary context. In these cases, the meaning of the words may be less clear-cut, as they may have different connotations or associations depending on the time period or cultural context in which they are being used.

For example, in medieval literature, the word “parlous” was often used to describe a situation that was not only dangerous, but also tricky or difficult to navigate. This sense of the word is less commonly used today, but it can still be found in certain historical or literary contexts.

Overall, while there are some exceptions to the rules for using “parlous” and “perilous,” these exceptions are generally related to the context in which the words are being used, as well as the intended meaning behind them. By paying close attention to the overall meaning of a sentence or phrase, readers can better understand the nuances of these two words and use them more effectively in their own writing.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of parlous and perilous is through practice exercises. Here are a few exercises to help you sharpen your skills:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank in each sentence.

Sentence	Answer
The __________ situation in the city made it difficult for people to go about their daily lives.	perilous
She knew that her decision to invest in the stock market was __________, but she did it anyway.	parlous
The __________ state of the economy has left many people struggling to make ends meet.	perilous
The __________ journey through the mountains was not for the faint of heart.	perilous
The __________ state of the building made it clear that it was not safe to enter.	parlous

Exercise 2: Sentence Writing

Write a sentence using each word correctly.

• Parlous: The __________ state of the bridge made it clear that it was not safe to cross.
• Perilous: The __________ journey through the jungle was filled with danger at every turn.

Exercise 3: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct word to complete each sentence.

1. The __________ conditions on the mountain made it difficult for the climbers to reach the summit.
1. parlous
2. perilous
2. The __________ state of the economy has left many people struggling to make ends meet.
1. parlous
2. perilous
3. The __________ situation in the city made it difficult for people to go about their daily lives.
1. parlous
2. perilous

Answers:

Exercise	Answers
Exercise 1	1. perilous 2. parlous 3. perilous 4. perilous 5. parlous
Exercise 2	1. parlous: The parlous state of the bridge made it clear that it was not safe to cross. 2. perilous: The perilous journey through the jungle was filled with danger at every turn.
Exercise 3	1. perilous 2. parlous 3. perilous

Conclusion

After reading this article, it is clear that there is a distinct difference between the words “parlous” and “perilous.” While they may sound similar and share a common origin, their meanings are quite different.

Key Takeaways

• “Parlous” means risky or dangerous, but in a more lighthearted or humorous way.
• “Perilous” means extremely dangerous or life-threatening.
• Both words have their roots in the Latin word “periculum,” meaning danger or trial.
• It is important to use words correctly in order to convey the intended meaning and avoid confusion.

As writers, it is crucial to have a strong grasp of grammar and language use. By understanding the nuances of words like “parlous” and “perilous,” we can communicate more effectively and precisely.

So, whether you are a seasoned wordsmith or just starting out, keep learning and expanding your knowledge of language. Your readers will thank you for it.