rift
/rɪft/ (bre, ipa) · /rɪft/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈrift/ (ame, mw)
rift — noun
- riftsingular
- riftsplural
1. a long, narrow break in the earth's surface, rock, or other solid material, usua
a long, narrow break in the earth's surface, rock, or other solid material, usually formed when natural forces pull the material apart
A deep rift ran across the valley floor after last month's earthquake.
Noor pointed to a narrow rift in the rocky cliff where fossils were visible.
collocation: narrow rift + location phrase
Felix studied the narrow rift in the desert plateau, noting the sand at the bottom.
The earthquake left a wide rift stretching for miles across the farmland near Nala's village.
- seam
a line where two pieces of material are joined, the opposite of a break
文法句型
often followed by 'in' or 'between' to describe location
用法筆記
Primarily used in geological contexts to describe natural formations such as those caused by earthquakes, erosion, or volcanic activity.
常見錯誤
2. an angry disagreement between people or groups who were previously close, result
an angry disagreement between people or groups who were previously close, resulting in lasting damage to their relationship or a complete separation
The growing rift between Anya and her cousin made family gatherings awkward.
collocation: growing rift between [people]
Political rifts within the organisation led to the resignation of three board members.
A deep rift developed between the two departments after the funding was cut.
Rohan tried to heal the rift with his brother by inviting him to dinner.
- schism
a more formal word for a split, especially in a religious or political group; suggests an official division
- estrangement
focuses on emotional distance and loss of affection between individuals, often family members
- breach
a break in a relationship caused by an action that is seen as a violation of trust
- reconciliation
the act of mending a broken relationship
- harmony
a state of agreement and peaceful coexistence
文法句型
rift + between + [two parties]
rift + within + [group]
rift + over + [issue]
用法筆記
Commonly used with 'between' to name the two sides involved, or 'within' for a single group that is splitting. Often paired with verbs like 'heal', 'cause', 'widen', or 'create'.
常見錯誤
rift — verb
- riftpresent simple I / you / we / they
- rifts3rd person singular
- rifting-ing form
- riftedpast simple
1. to split or tear something forcefully apart, creating an opening or separation
to split or tear something forcefully apart, creating an opening or separation
The explosion rifted the ancient wall, sending chunks of stone across the courtyard.
formal/literary register; transitive use in active voice
Over thousands of years, the river's current rifted the rock below, carving a deep gorge.
The glacier rifted the mountain face, leaving a scar visible from miles away.
A powerful blast rifted the iron door, bending it outward on its hinges.
- mend
to repair something broken or torn
文法句型
rift + [direct object]
be rifted + by/with [force]
用法筆記
This verb sense is rare in modern English and appears mainly in literary, poetic, or formal writing. The noun sense is far more common in everyday speech. The past tense and past participle are both 'rifted' (regular).