crevice
C1Formal, Academic, Technical
Definition
Meaning
A narrow opening or crack in a rock, wall, or other solid surface.
A narrow gap, split, or fissure, often one that is difficult to see or access. Can be used metaphorically to refer to a slight division or gap in abstract concepts (e.g., in an argument, a schedule).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Crevice" typically implies a deeper, more irregular, and often more concealed crack than "crack" or "fissure." It is strongly associated with natural formations like rocks and cliffs. It is not typically used for man-made splits unless they are rock-like (e.g., in a concrete dam).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both, with a slight preference for natural/geological contexts.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties. More common in technical writing (geology, construction) than everyday speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[crevice] + in + [surface/object]a [adjective] creviceVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no common idioms; the word is used literally]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly metaphorical: 'a crevice in the market' (a very small, niche opportunity).
Academic
Common in geology, geography, biology (e.g., 'lizards hiding in crevices'), and archaeology texts.
Everyday
Uncommon. Used when describing natural landscapes or damage to stone/concrete.
Technical
Standard term in geology, speleology (caving), and some engineering contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- [The word 'crevice' is not a verb. The verb form is 'crevice' is obsolete/rare. Use 'crack' or 'fissure' as verbs.]
American English
- [The word 'crevice' is not a verb. The verb form is 'crevice' is obsolete/rare. Use 'crack' or 'fissure' as verbs.]
adverb
British English
- [No adverb form exists.]
American English
- [No adverb form exists.]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjective form. Use 'creviced' (e.g., 'the creviced cliff face').]
American English
- [No standard adjective form. Use 'creviced' (e.g., 'the creviced rock').]
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I saw a small plant growing in a crevice in the wall.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'crevICE' – ice often forms in narrow cracks in rocks, helping you remember it's a crack or fissure.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/SECRETS ARE HIDDEN IN CREVICES (e.g., 'exploring the crevices of the mind'). WEAKNESS/ERROR AS A CREVICE (e.g., 'a crevice in their defence').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с "crevasse" (трещина во льду, ледниковая расщелина), которая значительно больше. "Crevice" — это именно узкая щель, часто в камне.
- Не является прямым эквивалентом "трещина" во всех контекстах (например, "трещина в отношениях" — это скорее "rift" или "crack"). "Crevice" более конкретное, физическое.
Common Mistakes
- Mispronunciation: /kriːˈvaɪs/ (incorrect). Correct: /ˈkrɛvɪs/ or /ˈkrɛvəs/.
- Confusion with 'crevasse'. A crevasse is a large, deep crack, especially in glacier ice.
- Using it for abstract 'gaps' (e.g., 'a crevice in time') is highly poetic and non-standard.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'crevice' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'crevice' is a narrow crack or fissure, typically in rock. A 'crevasse' is a deep, often wide crack or split, specifically in glacial ice or sometimes in the ground after an earthquake. A crevasse is generally much larger and more dangerous.
No, it is not common in everyday casual conversation. It is more frequent in writing, particularly in descriptive, academic (geology, biology), or technical contexts. In daily speech, people are more likely to say 'crack' or 'gap'.
Yes, but such use is advanced (C1/C2 level) and somewhat literary. It can metaphorically describe a small, hidden flaw, gap in an argument, or a niche area (e.g., 'crevices of the law'). This usage is not the primary one.
In British English: /ˈkrɛvɪs/ (KREV-iss). In American English: /ˈkrɛvəs/ (KREV-uss). The stress is always on the first syllable. The second vowel is a short 'i' (UK) or a schwa (US).