rift
/'raifliɳ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A serious break in friendly relations: A "rift" can describe a significant disagreement or separation between people or groups, often leading to estrangement.
- A crack, split, or fissure: In geology or physical objects, a "rift" is a narrow opening or crack caused by splitting or breaking apart.
- A break or gap in clouds: A "rift" can refer to a clear space or opening that appears within a mass of clouds.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (Personal/Social Separation):
- The political scandal caused a deep rift within the party.
- Their argument created a rift between the two old friends.
- Noun (Physical Crack):
- Earthquakes can cause a rift in the earth's crust.
- He carefully examined the rift in the ancient vase.
- Noun (Gap in Clouds):
- We saw a beautiful sunset through a rift in the storm clouds.
Advanced Usage
- "rift valley": A specific geological term for a linear-shaped lowland between several highlands or mountain ranges created by the action of a geologic rift or fault. (Note: This is a compound term listed separately as per instruction).
- The East African Rift Valley is a famous example of this geological formation.
- "a rift in/within the lute": An idiom (though somewhat archaic) meaning a small flaw or disagreement that threatens to spoil a seemingly perfect situation, especially in a relationship.
- Their minor disagreement was just a rift in the lute, but it worried them both.
Variants and Related Words
- Rifted (verb, past participle): Having been split or torn apart.
- The ancient continent rifted apart millions of years ago.
- Rifting (noun/gerund): The geological process of the earth's crust extending and thinning.
- The rifting of the tectonic plates is a slow process.
Synonyms
- Breach: A break in relations or a gap in a wall.
- Schism: A formal division or separation within a group, often used in religious contexts.
- Fissure: A long, narrow crack or opening, especially in rock.
- Cleavage: A sharp division; a split.
Related Phrases
- To heal/mend a rift: To repair a damaged relationship or disagreement.
- The mediator helped the two sides mend their rift.
- A widening rift: Describes a disagreement or separation that is becoming more serious.
- The policy debate led to a widening rift in the committee.
Noun
- a personal or social separation (as between opposing factions)
- they hoped to avoid a break in relations
- a narrow fissure in rock
- a gap between cloud masses
- the sun shone through a rift in the clouds