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Crag Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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crag

[kræɡ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

rock climbing

A steep or rugged cliff or rock face.

Synonyms

cliff, precipice, rock face.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crag

Crag is often used to describe a rugged, steep, and rocky hill or mountain, commonly found in natural settings. It can convey a sense of wildness and adventure.

  • The climbers scaled the crag with great difficulty.
  • A lone eagle nested high up on the crag.
cliff

Cliff is used to describe a high, steep face of rock, typically found at the edge of the sea, a river, or a mountain. It's a more general term and is often used in geographical descriptions.

  • They stood at the edge of the cliff and looked down at the ocean.
  • The path led to a sheer cliff overlooking the valley.
rock face

Rock face is used to describe the surface of a large rock formation that is typically steep or vertical. It is often used in climbing or geological contexts.

  • The rock face was smooth and difficult to climb.
  • Geologists studied the layers of sediment in the rock face.
precipice

Precipice refers to a very steep or overhanging place, often suggesting danger or extreme height. It's commonly used in dramatic or literary contexts.

  • She found herself standing on the precipice, afraid to take another step.
  • The car skidded to a halt, just inches from the precipice.

Examples of usage

  • The climbers slowly made their way up the crag, using ropes and harnesses.
  • She reached the top of the crag and enjoyed the breathtaking view below.
Context #2 | Noun

geology

A small, rugged rock that juts out from a larger mass of rock or mountain.

Synonyms

outcrop, projection, rock formation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crag

Typically used to describe a rugged, steep cliff or rock face, often found in wild or mountainous areas. It conveys a sense of roughness and difficulty.

  • The climbers scaled the crag with great effort.
  • Eagles nested high up on the crag.
outcrop

Refers to a visible exposure of bedrock or ancient geological formation that protrudes from the surrounding soil or rock. Often used in geology or earth science contexts.

  • The geologist studied the outcrop to understand the region's history.
  • Kids played around the rocky outcrop near the beach.
rock formation

A general term for any large, naturally occurring group of rocks, often used in a descriptive way to refer to scenic or notable rock structures.

  • The park is famous for its unique rock formations.
  • They marveled at the unusual shapes of the rock formations on their hike.
projection

Describes something that juts out from a surface, which could be related to architecture, geological features, or anything physically sticking out.

  • The balcony was a stark projection from the building.
  • A narrow rock projection made the path dangerous.

Examples of usage

  • The trail led them over a series of crags, making the hike more challenging.
  • He carefully navigated the crags to reach the summit.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Geology

  • Crags are often formed through natural processes like erosion and weathering, creating dramatic landscapes.
  • They can serve as habitats for various wildlife, including birds that nest on steep cliffs.
  • Some crags are popular for climbing, offering thrilling challenges and rewarding views.

Literature

  • Crags are often depicted in literature as places of solitude, danger, or beauty, enhancing the setting of many stories.
  • In classic poetry, crags symbolize the ruggedness of nature and human resilience against harsh environments.
  • They provide a backdrop for tales of adventure and exploration, invoking a sense of mystery and challenge.

Cultural Significance

  • Across various cultures, crags are often seen as sacred or significant sites, tied to myths and local folklore.
  • They appear in paintings and photographs, often admired for their stark beauty in landscape art.
  • Crags are featured in many adventure sports, linking them closely to modern recreational culture.

Origin of 'crag'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'crag' comes from the Old Norse word 'kraki', meaning 'rock' or 'cliff'.
  • This word made its way into Middle English, reflecting the strong influence of Scandinavian languages on English.
  • It’s often used in place names, like Craggy Island, indicating its geographical significance.

The word 'crag' originated from Middle English 'cragge', which came from Old Norse 'kraggi', meaning 'rock'. It has been used for centuries to describe steep or rugged cliffs, especially in the context of rock climbing and geology.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,633, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.