Perils
/ˈpɛrəlz/
nounB2plural
Definition
Perils means dangers or serious problems that can cause harm or bad results. It is often used to talk about risks in situations like travel, adventure, or difficult choices, where something bad might happen.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
Serious dangers or risks
- •The explorers faced many perils in the jungle.
- •There are perils in crossing the river during the rainy season.
- •The movie showed the perils of space travel.
Threats that could cause harm or loss
- •The perils of smoking include lung disease.
- •Investors must understand the perils before putting money into new businesses.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "perils" like "dangers" (A1 word), but often more serious or threatening
- ✓Picture walking on a narrow mountain path with strong wind—that feeling of risk and fear is a peril
- ✓It's the feeling of worry or alertness when you know something bad could happen if you are not careful
- ✓Sounds like "pearls" → imagine beautiful pearls that are actually sharp and dangerous instead of smooth and safe
- ✓In stories, heroes face many perils on their journey, like wild animals or storms that test their courage
- ✓NOT like "problems" (which can be small or easy), perils are big dangers that can cause serious harm
- ✓NOT like "accidents" (which happen suddenly), perils are risks you know about before they happen
- ✓Perils come from outside dangers, not from inside feelings or thoughts
Try Other Words
- •Danger: risk of harm or injury (Use in everyday, simple contexts)
- •Risk: possibility of loss or harm (Use when talking about chance or probability)
- •Hazard: something that can cause harm (Use often in safety or work contexts)
- •Threat: a possible cause of harm (Use when something or someone might cause damage)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: base word "peril" + plural suffix "-s"
- •Etymology: From Old French "peril," from Latin "periculum," meaning danger or trial
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 14th century to mean danger or risk
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in formal or literary contexts to talk about serious dangers or risks
- •Interesting fact: "Perils of Pauline" was a famous early 20th-century film series about a woman facing many dangers
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when you faced a peril or serious danger? How did you feel?
•How do stories use perils to make adventures exciting and teach lessons?
Fill in the blanks
1.Travelers must be careful because perils often ___ when they explore unknown places.
2.The perils of the mountain climb include falling rocks and sudden storms, which make it ___.
3.Unlike small problems, perils usually ___ serious harm or danger.
4.In fairy tales, heroes often face perils that ___ their strength and courage.
5.People talk about the perils of texting while driving because it ___ accidents.
6.The ship's crew was warned about the perils ___ in the stormy sea ahead.
7.When someone ignores perils, they usually ___ themselves or others to danger.