Dangersome

/ˈdeɪndʒərsəm/ adjective

Definition

An archaic or dialectal word meaning dangerous or full of danger; somewhat hazardous or risky.

Etymology

From 'danger' plus the suffix '-some' (from Old English, meaning 'characterized by'), which creates adjectives like 'handsome,' 'wholesome,' or 'troublesome.' This formation is older and less common in modern English than 'dangerous.'

Kelly Says

The '-some' suffix is why we have 'awesome' and 'tiresome'—but we usually prefer '-ous' for danger words (dangerous, hazardous), showing how English speakers choose between competing suffix options based on which 'sounds right' to their ear.

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