funambulism

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Word: Funambulism

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Funambulism refers to the act of walking on a tightrope or a slack rope. It is often performed by circus performers and requires a lot of balance and skill.

Usage Instructions:

• Funambulism is a specific term used mostly in contexts related to circuses or acrobatics. You would not use it in everyday conversation unless you are talking about performance arts.

Example Sentence:

• The circus featured a breathtaking act of funambulism, where the performer walked gracefully across a thin rope high above the audience.

Advanced Usage:

• Funambulism can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation where someone is navigating a difficult or precarious situation, balancing different aspects of life or responsibilities.

Word Variants:

• Funambulist (noun): A person who performs funambulism; someone who walks on a tightrope.
• Funambulatory (adjective): Relating to the act of walking on a tightrope.

Different Meaning:

• In a broader sense, funambulism can symbolize taking risks or walking a fine line in life decisions, emphasizing the balance required in making choices.

Synonyms:

• Tightrope walking
• Slacklining (though this usually refers to a more relaxed form of walking on a rope)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that use the word funambulism, but you might hear phrases like "walking a tightrope" which conveys a similar meaning of balancing precarious situations.

Example of Advanced Usage:

• Managing a career while raising three children feels like funambulism; one wrong move could throw everything off balance.

Summary:

Funambulism is an interesting word that captures both a physical skill and a metaphor for balance in life.

Academic

Noun

1. walking on a tightrope or slack rope

Synonyms

• tightrope walking