risks
English meaning: Risks
Definition
A possible adverse event or outcome
Example
“Smoking carries serious health risks.”
Another example: “Investors must weigh the risks against the potential rewards.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Plural of 'risk'; refers to possible adverse outcomes ('health risks', 'take risks'). Very common in finance, health, safety and everyday speech. Often paired with 'pose', 'take', 'weigh' or 'manage'.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From French risque, from Italian risco 'danger', of uncertain earlier origin, dating to the 17th century.
Synonyms
- dangers
- hazards
- perils
- threats
- gambles
- liabilities
Antonyms / Opposites
- safeguards
- certainties
- securities
Related Words
Common Collocations
- health risks
- take risks
- potential risks
- weigh the risks
- risks and rewards
- pose risks
Word Forms
risk (n/v); risks; risked; risking; risky (adj)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B