3K

Precipitation

UK //ˌprɛsɪpɪˈteɪʃən// US //ˌprɛsɪpɪˈteɪʃən// Pronunciation

Definition

The process of water falling from the atmosphere as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Listen to definition

In simple words: Water that falls from the sky, like rain or snow.

Examples

• The forecast predicts heavy precipitation over the weekend.
• In cold climates, precipitation can fall as snow instead of rain.
• Scientists study precipitation patterns to understand climate change.
• The amount of precipitation this month has been above average.
• Precipitation affects the growth of crops and natural vegetation.

Usage notes

Used in scientific contexts or formal discussions about weather. Less common in everyday conversation.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'precipitation' as 'pre-cip-itation' - water falling down like it has been 'cipped' or cut from the sky.

Collocations

• annual precipitation
• precipitation levels
• measure precipitation
• heavy precipitation
• precipitation forecast

Synonyms

• rain
• downpour
• moisture
• fall
• drizzle

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'precise' or 'prediction'.
• Used incorrectly as a verb instead of a noun.
• Overused in casual speech where simpler terms like 'rain' would suffice.