Definition

Causing a feeling of dizziness or spinning; often used to describe something that is very high or steep.

Example

The vertiginous heights of the mountain made me feel dizzy as I looked down.

Conversation

Did you feel that vertiginous feeling when we reached the top of the mountain?

Yes, it was like the ground was spinning beneath me!

I can’t believe how high we climbed; it really gave me a rush.

Totally! That view was worth the vertiginous heights.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Vertiginous → It is formed from "vertigo" (from Latin "vertigo", meaning a whirling or spinning sensation) and the suffix "-ous" (meaning full of or characterized by). The word "vertiginous" describes something that is full of or characterized by a sensation of spinning or dizziness.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'vertigo' which relates to a spinning sensation, and remember that 'vertiginous' means full of that dizzy feeling.

Visually Confused Words