a vertiginous view

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vertiginous view" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a view that causes a sensation of dizziness or vertigo, often due to its height or steepness. Example: "Standing at the edge of the cliff, I was struck by a vertiginous view of the valley below."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

So would a vertiginous view of the Alps, where nothing moved except more tiny figures, struggling up a narrow trail.

The New York Times - Arts

It reopened on June 10 after a five-year renovation, and the observation deck offers a vertiginous view of the city, harbor and islands.

The New York Times - Travel

Through our cabin's porthole on the sixth floor of the ship's superstructure we had a vertiginous view into the cavernous hold below as cranes lowered cargo inside.

The Guardian - Travel

A few of the models depicted parts of the building's interior, such as the observation deck in the overhanging top section; the designers had considered making a part of the floor transparent, offering a vertiginous view of the ground below.

The New Yorker

The design of this new hotel ensures that every room has a vertiginous view, but the rooftop (above) is especially enjoyable.

Forbes

The triptych might simply line up an apartment building's second-floor walkway shown at a precarious tilt, then the apartment's front door in a view that is blocked by a post and, finally, a vertiginous view down to a ground-level sidewalk that splits in two, interrupted by a bush.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

More recently a vertiginous viewing platform has been cantilevered into the side of the gorge, and you can look straight into the depths.

The Guardian - Travel

Inside the bowl is a circular bar, City Space, that has a panoramic, vertiginous view of the vast urban sprawl.

The New York Times - Travel

In drab colors on canvases measuring about 7 feet by 13 feet, Mr. Hellmich paints sharp-edged, well-composed pictures of empty modern architectural situations: a spacious train station; the entry to an apartment building below a wall of decorative tiles; industrial ventilators on a rooftop; the vertiginous view from the top of a high escalator down to a shadowy, subterranean hallway.

The New York Times

As millions around the world experienced the vertiginous view from his capsule's camera, which showed a round blue world surrounded by the black of space, he stepped off into the void and plummeted for more than four minutes, reaching a maximum speed measured at 833.9 miles per hour, or Mach 1.24.

The New York Times

As millions around the world experienced the vertiginous view from his capsule's camera, which showed a round blue world surrounded by the black of _________, he stepped off into the void and _________ for more than four minutes, reaching a maximum speed measured at 833.9 miles per hour, or Mach 1.24.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a vertiginous view" when you want to convey a sense of both height and the disorientation or excitement that comes with it. It's particularly effective in descriptions of landscapes or architecture.

Common error

Avoid using "a vertiginous view" to simply describe any high-up view. It's most appropriate when the height is significant and contributes to a feeling of unease, excitement, or awe. Using it for a second-story window, for instance, would be inaccurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vertiginous view" functions as a noun phrase, where "vertiginous" modifies the noun "view". According to Ludwig AI, this is grammatically correct and widely used, and can be used to describe the view in a context of dizziness or vertigo.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Travel

30%

Arts

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vertiginous view" is a grammatically sound and evocative phrase used to describe a view from a significant height that induces a sensation of dizziness or awe. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is employed effectively across various contexts, particularly in travel writing, news, and arts. While not as common as simpler alternatives, it provides a specific and impactful way to convey the experience of looking down from a great height, creating a vivid impression on the audience. It is best used when the height genuinely contributes to a sense of vertigo or overwhelming perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dizzying vista

Replaces "vertiginous" with "dizzying", focusing on the disorienting sensation the view might cause.

a breathtaking panorama

Emphasizes the impressive and awe-inspiring nature of the view, rather than the sense of vertigo.

a stunning aerial prospect

Focuses on the elevated and visually striking qualities of the view.

a precipitous outlook

Highlights the steepness and potentially dangerous aspect of the viewpoint.

a soaring vista

Emphasizes the height and expansive nature of the view, suggesting a feeling of freedom.

an awe-inspiring height

Shifts focus to the height itself, which is the source of the vertiginous feeling.

a dramatic overlook

Highlights the theatrical and impactful nature of the view.

a commanding perspective

Highlights the dominance and expansive nature of the view.

an elevated vantage point

Simply indicates a high position offering a view, without the implication of vertigo.

a high-altitude scene

Focuses solely on the height without necessarily implying a viewpoint or feeling of vertigo.

FAQs

What does "a vertiginous view" mean?

The phrase "a vertiginous view" describes a scene or vista, typically from a great height, that causes a sensation of dizziness or vertigo due to its steepness or perceived danger.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a vertiginous view"?

Use "a vertiginous view" when you want to emphasize the height and the disorienting or thrilling feeling associated with looking down from a great distance. It's suitable for describing landscapes from cliffs, skyscrapers, or mountains.

What are some alternatives to "a vertiginous view"?

You can use alternatives like "a dizzying vista", "a breathtaking panorama", or "a precipitous outlook" depending on the specific aspect you want to highlight – the disorientation, the beauty, or the steepness.

Is "a vertiginous view" a commonly used phrase?

While grammatically correct and impactful, "a vertiginous view" isn't as common as simpler alternatives like "a great view" or "a stunning view". However, it adds a more specific and evocative dimension to the description.