gouffre
Le gouffre s'ouvrit sous ses pieds.
The abyss opened beneath his feet.
A deep, bottomless pit or chasm, often in a mountainous or rocky area.
Les explorateurs découvrirent un gouffre mystérieux dans la forêt.
The explorers discovered a mysterious abyss in the forest.
Often used metaphorically to describe a profound or insurmountable gap.
A metaphorical void or profound gap, such as a difference or disparity.
Il y a un gouffre entre nos cultures.
There is a chasm between our cultures.
Common in philosophical or social commentary.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Metaphorical Use
In modern French, 'gouffre' is often used metaphorically to describe a profound difference or void.
Gold Rule
Literal vs. Figurative
Distinguish between the literal geological meaning and the figurative use in social or philosophical contexts.
Word Origin
From Old French 'goufre', from Latin 'gurges' meaning 'whirlpool' or 'vortex'.
Usage Notes
Often used in literature and poetry to evoke a sense of depth or insurmountable difference.