Definition

A quality or state of acting quickly and without careful thought, often leading to rash decisions or actions.

Example

His precipitancy in making decisions often led to mistakes.

Conversation

I think we should be careful about making decisions too quickly.

Yeah, sometimes precipitancy can lead to mistakes.

Exactly! I learned that the hard way last time I rushed things.

It’s always better to take a moment and think it through.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Precipitancy → It is formed from "praecipitare" (meaning to throw down) and the suffix "-ancy" (indicating a state or quality). The word refers to the state of being rash or hasty, as if one is thrown down into action without careful thought.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'thrown down' ('praecipitare') into a situation without thinking — that's why precipitancy means acting hastily.

Visually Confused Words