Vocabulary Spotlight
Chasm
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: A deep fissure or gorge in the earth, rock, or another surface; a significant difference between people, viewpoints, or ideas.
“The chasm between the two political ideologies seemed impossible to bridge.”
Pronunciation
[kaz-uhm]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Gorge
Rift
Divide
Canyon
Antonyms
Union
Bridge
Closure
Link
Related Words
Void (noun)
Fissure (noun)
Word Origin
The word “chasm” comes from the Latin “chasma” and Greek “khasma,” meaning “yawning hollow” or “gap.” It entered English in the 16th century, referring to a deep opening or a profound division.
Word Family
Noun: Chasm – A deep divide, physically or ideologically.
Related Noun: Fissure – A narrow opening or crack, often used metaphorically.
Related Adjective: Chasmic – Relating to a chasm or profound separation.
Mnemonics
Imagine a “Chasm” as a “Huge Canyon,” helping to remember it as a deep gap or divide.
Industry-specific Usage
Geology
In geology, a chasm refers to a natural, deep fissure in the earth’s surface, often formed by tectonic activity or erosion.
Psychology
In psychology, a chasm can describe a significant emotional or psychological divide between individuals or groups.
Sociology
Sociologically, a chasm often refers to a deep division between social or economic classes, or opposing viewpoints.
In Context
A chasm represents a significant gap, whether physical, ideological, or social. It suggests a separation that can be difficult to bridge, such as social divides or gaps in understanding, and often implies challenges in connection and communication.