gouffre
/ɡufʁ/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.
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💡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.