grimsel pass: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowGeographical/Technical, Historical
Quick answer
What does “grimsel pass” mean?
A high mountain pass in the Swiss Alps, used for transit and tourism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A high mountain pass in the Swiss Alps, used for transit and tourism.
Used as a proper noun to refer to a specific geographical location. In a broader, metaphorical sense, it can signify a challenging or pivotal crossing point in a journey or process.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. It is a fixed geographical name.
Connotations
Connotes Alpine geography, engineering (due to nearby dams and hydroelectric plants), and tourism.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, appearing mainly in specialised texts or travel writing.
Grammar
How to Use “grimsel pass” in a Sentence
[verb of motion] + the Grimsel Pass (e.g., cross, traverse, drive over)the Grimsel Pass + [verb] (e.g., connects, winds, offers)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; potentially in logistics or tourism development reports.
Academic
Used in geography, history, or environmental studies papers discussing Alpine regions.
Everyday
Very rare; only in the context of specific travel plans or discussions about Switzerland.
Technical
Used in engineering contexts related to hydroelectric power or road construction in the region.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grimsel pass”
- Using lower case ('grimsel pass') in formal writing.
- Confusing it with other Swiss passes like Gotthard or Simplon.
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a grimsel pass').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is located in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland, linking the Haslital (canton of Bern) to the upper valley of the Rhône (canton of Valais).
No, it is typically closed by snow from late October to early June, as it is a high Alpine pass.
It is notable for its dramatic scenery, hydroelectric power plants (like the Grimsel Dam), and as a historic transit route.
No, it is a proper noun and should be capitalised. Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a grimsel pass') is incorrect.
A high mountain pass in the Swiss Alps, used for transit and tourism.
Grimsel pass is usually geographical/technical, historical in register.
Grimsel pass: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡrɪmzəl ˈpɑːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡrɪmzəl ˈpæs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a Grimsel Pass of the mind (metaphorical, very rare)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A GRIM, high SEL (like 'saddle') you PASS over. Grim + Saddle + Pass.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DIFFICULT JOURNEY IS CROSSING A HIGH MOUNTAIN PASS.
Practice
Quiz
What is the Grimsel Pass primarily known as?