great saint bernard pass: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Low Frequency)Formal, Geographic, Historical
Quick answer
What does “great saint bernard pass” mean?
A major mountain pass in the Alps on the border between Switzerland and Italy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A major mountain pass in the Alps on the border between Switzerland and Italy.
Refers to the historic route and the associated hospice known for its use of St. Bernard dogs in rescue operations. Can be used metonymically to refer to challenging journeys, alpine history, or rescue efforts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage. Both varieties use the full name and the abbreviated 'St. Bernard Pass'.
Connotations
Connotes European history, mountaineering, and a specific breed of dog. The connotations are identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday conversation for both, primarily found in geographic, historical, or travel contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “great saint bernard pass” in a Sentence
[Subject] + cross + the + Great Saint Bernard PassThe + route + goes + over + the + Great Saint Bernard PassVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “great saint bernard pass” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Great Saint Bernard Pass route is closed in winter.
- They discussed the Great Saint Bernard Pass history.
American English
- The Great Saint Bernard Pass tunnel is an alternative.
- We studied Great Saint Bernard Pass geography.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in tourism or logistics (e.g., 'The transport corridor via the Great Saint Bernard Pass').
Academic
Used in historical, geographical, or meteorological studies of the Alps.
Everyday
Almost never used in casual conversation. Would appear in travel planning or documentaries.
Technical
Used in cartography, alpine rescue, and historical route analysis.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “great saint bernard pass”
- *Great St. Bernard's Pass (incorrect possessive)
- *The Great Saint Bernard (missing 'Pass')
- *Great Saint Bernard Passage (incorrect synonym)
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct. 'St. Bernard' is the common abbreviation. The full formal name is 'Great Saint Bernard Pass'.
No, the high-altitude pass road is typically closed by snow from late autumn to late spring. A tunnel provides an all-weather alternative.
'Great' distinguishes it from the nearby 'Little Saint Bernard Pass'. It refers to its size, historical importance, and the larger hospice complex.
While the dogs are a historic symbol of the pass and the hospice, modern rescue operations primarily use helicopters and other equipment. The dogs are still kept at the hospice for tradition and tourism.
A major mountain pass in the Alps on the border between Switzerland and Italy.
Great saint bernard pass is usually formal, geographic, historical in register.
Great saint bernard pass: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt ˌseɪnt ˈbɜːnəd ˌpɑːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt ˌseɪnt bərˈnɑːrd ˌpæs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A real St. Bernard Pass of a problem (metaphorical, rare)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember the giant, friendly St. Bernard dogs: they are named after the pass where monks used them for rescue. Great Saint Bernard = Great Dogs on a Great Pass.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MOUNTAIN PASS IS A BARRIER/GATEWAY; A DIFFICULT ENDEAVOUR IS CROSSING THE GREAT SAINT BERNARD PASS.
Practice
Quiz
What is the Great Saint Bernard Pass best known for, beyond being a transit route?