Dangerous Meaning
Dangerous Definition & Usage
Causing or likely to cause harm or injury.
Examples
- "The mountain trail is dangerous, especially during winter."
- "He was warned about the dangerous chemicals in the laboratory."
- "Driving in the rain can be dangerous if you're not careful."
- "The city’s dangerous streets discourage tourists from visiting after dark."
- "The wild animal was considered dangerous, and people were advised to stay away."
Having the potential to lead to undesirable or harmful outcomes in non-physical contexts.
Examples
- "She made a dangerous decision by quitting her job without another lined up."
- "The situation became dangerous when they ignored the warnings and continued with the plan."
- "Engaging in gossip can be dangerous for a person's reputation."
- "This type of political rhetoric is dangerous because it can incite violence."
- "Lack of proper regulation in the financial market can create dangerous risks for investors."
Cultural Context
The word 'dangerous' has its origins in the Old French word 'dangereux', which was derived from 'danger', meaning harm or risk. It has been in use in English since the late Middle Ages. The word is versatile and widely used across different contexts, from describing physical hazards to abstract risks in social, political, and psychological domains.
The Dangerous Decision
Story
The Dangerous Decision
Late one evening, as the storm clouds gathered over the city, Claire stood at the edge of the balcony, looking out at the vast expanse of the sea. She had just received a call from her boss, offering her the promotion she'd dreamed of for years. But there was a catch: the job would require her to move to a new city, away from her family and friends. Claire had always thought of herself as someone who liked to take risks, but this decision felt different. It felt dangerous. The very idea of leaving everything she knew to start anew was enough to make her stomach churn. Her phone buzzed again. It was a message from her best friend, Hannah. 'Don't do anything dangerous tonight. I know you're thinking about it.' Claire smiled, but the message lingered in her mind. Was it really a dangerous decision to take the job? Or was it a step toward her dream? The next morning, Claire stood outside her apartment, feeling the weight of her decision. She had spent hours thinking about it, weighing the risks and benefits. Was it dangerous to leave behind the life she knew, or was it simply the fear of change that made it seem dangerous? As she walked down the street, her mind kept racing. She couldn’t help but think about the dangerous consequences of staying where she was — stagnation, missed opportunities, and a life she might regret. But leaving felt like stepping into the unknown. Later, she found herself talking to her colleague, Adam, about her dilemma. He listened intently, nodding occasionally. 'Look, Claire, everything in life carries some danger. But sitting in your comfort zone is the most dangerous thing you can do. You can’t grow unless you take some risks.' His words stuck with her. By the time she returned to her apartment that evening, Claire felt certain. She wasn't about to let fear dictate her future. She picked up her phone and made the call to accept the promotion. There was a danger in moving forward, but there was also a greater danger in staying still. As Claire hung up the phone, she smiled to herself, knowing that sometimes, the most dangerous decisions lead to the most rewarding outcomes.
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