Parlous for Dummies

Parlous is a word that is not commonly used in everyday conversation, but it is worth exploring because it can add depth and nuance to our language. When we talk about something being "parlous," we are describing a situation or condition that is dangerous, risky, or full of uncertainty. It means that something is precarious or on the verge of becoming a problem. Think of it like walking on a tightrope suspended high above the ground – one wrong step and you could find yourself in a parlous situation.

Let me give you an example to help you understand it better. Imagine you are walking near the edge of a steep cliff. The path you are on is narrow, slippery, and unstable. In this situation, you are faced with a parlous predicament because one false move could lead to a very dangerous outcome. The precariousness of the situation makes it a parlous one.

But wait, there's more! "Parlous" can also describe something that is exceedingly or surprisingly bad. It can be used to highlight the extreme nature of a problem or situation. Think of it as something that goes beyond just being negative or unfortunate – it's more like a dire or critical state of affairs. For instance, if a student consistently skips class, fails to complete assignments, and doesn't study for exams, their academic performance could be described as parlous.

So, to sum it up, "parlous" refers to a dangerous or risky situation or condition, as well as something that is extremely bad or critical. It's a word that can help us accurately describe the severity of a problem or the uncertainty of a situation.