What Does Precipitation Mean? | The Word Counter

Kevin
November 30, 2022
Common Questions

Do you dread going out on a rainy or snowy day, or do you prefer precipitation?

Today’s word of the day is precipitation! This article will teach you how to use the word precipitation in various contexts because it has two different definitions. Then, you will learn how to say precipitation in other languages, synonyms of precipitation, and more.

Read this article with precipitation!

What Does Precipitation Mean?

Dictionary states that the definition of precipitation can vary depending on context. First, the word precipitation can mean acting prematurely, suddenly, or with hastiness. The word precipitation can either refer to a state of haste or haste in movement or action. The pronunciation of precipitation is prɪˌsɪpɪˈteɪʃən.

Precipitation is also a common term in meteorology. Here, precipitation refers to products such as snow, rain, and hail that fall to Earth’s surface.

Precipitation is one of the stages of the water cycle. In this chemical process, liquid water from Earth goes through the process of evaporation into water vapor. Then, this chemical precipitate falls to Earth as precipitation.

Types of Precipitation

There are several different types of precipitation that you might experience. Most often, you might experience rain and thunderstorms.

Another type of precipitation is freezing rain, also known as hail and sleet, made of ice crystals.

Finally, snowfall is another type of precipitation.

Precipitation affects us all, whether you prefer a rainy day inside or a snowy adventure outdoors to catch snowflakes on your tongue.

How Can We Use Precipitation in a Sentence?

Below are several example sentences for the word precipitation. Precipitation has two different definitions, so see if you can determine which definition is used in each of the below sentences. Then, try to use the word precipitation in both contexts in your daily life!

Example #1

The freak rainstorm threw meteorologists for a loop, as the rainfall far exceeded their annual precipitation predictions.

Question: What definition of precipitation is used in the above sentence?

Answer: In the above sentence, the meteorological definition of precipitation is used.

Example #2

He ran down the hall with precipitation, worried that he would miss the exam’s start time. If he didn’t arrive by the time the bell rang, he would not be allowed to take the exam.

Question: What definition of precipitation is used in the above sentence?

Answer: In the above sentence, precipitation means hastiness.

Example #3

As the light precipitation of a few water droplets here and there turned to heavy rain, we hastened indoors for shelter.

Question: What definition of precipitation is used in the above sentence?

Answer: In the above sentence, the meteorological definition of precipitation is used.

Example #4

We got nearly twelve inches of precipitation overnight and couldn’t get our cars out of the driveway. We all had a quiet day indoors, waiting for the rain to stop.

Question: What definition of precipitation is used in the above sentence?

Answer: In the above sentence, the meteorological definition of precipitation is used.

Example #5

The man caused the precipitation of his own demise by being smug and overconfident.

Question: What definition of precipitation is used in the above sentence?

Answer: In the above sentence, precipitation means hastiness.

What Is the Etymology of Precipitation?

The word precipitation entered Late Middle English sometime between the years 1425 and 1475. This word comes from the Latin praecipitatio.

What Are Translations of Precipitation?

If you are going to travel to a country that does not use American English, you might want to learn translations of precipitation so you can know what to expect weather-wise!

For translations of precipitation, reference this list from Nice Translator:

What Are Synonyms of Precipitation?

Since precipitation has two definitions, it can be useful to use a synonym of precipitation to avoid confusion. Power Thesaurus provides numerous word lists, including synonyms of precipitation for both of its definitions.

What Are Antonyms of Precipitation?

In the meteorological sense, if there is a lack of precipitation, it is known as a drought. Take a look at this list of antonyms of precipitation from Power Thesaurus to learn about the opposite of precipitation.

Conclusion

Precipitation has two different meanings. First, precipitation can refer to different forms of water or condensation falling to Earth in the form of weather like rain and snow. Second, precipitation can mean haste or hurriedness.

Sources:

Precipitation synonyms – 576 Words and Phrases for Precipitation | Power Thesaurus

Precipitation antonyms – 85 Opposites of Precipitation | Power Thesaurus

Precipitation Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

Precipitation | Nice Translator

Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do's and don'ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.

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