Gulf Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
gulf
[ษกสlf ]
Definitions
body of water
A gulf is a large area of sea or ocean partly enclosed by land, larger than a bay.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| gulf |
Use 'gulf' to describe a large area of sea partially enclosed by land, often larger than a bay.
|
| bay |
Use 'bay' for a body of water that is partially enclosed by land but smaller than a gulf.
|
| inlet |
Use 'inlet' for a small arm of the sea, a lake, or a river, that stretches into the land.
|
| fjord |
Use 'fjord' for a deep, narrow, and elongated sea or lake drain, with steep land on three sides, typically found in Norway and other areas with glaciation.
|
Examples of usage
- The Gulf of Mexico is a famous gulf in North America.
- The Persian Gulf is located in the Middle East.
political division
A gulf can also refer to a deep political, social, or economic separation between people, groups, or countries.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| gulf |
Used to describe a large geographical division, such as a wide gap between two large bodies of water. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a significant difference or separation between groups or ideas.
|
| divide |
This word is used in both literal and figurative senses to describe a separation between two areas or groups. It can imply a boundary or a significant, but not necessarily insurmountable, difference.
|
| gap |
Generally refers to an opening or a space between two things. Metaphorically, it can describe a smaller or less severe difference or discrepancy between groups or ideas.
|
| chasm |
Often used to describe a deep fissure or gap in the earth or in rock. Metaphorically, itโs used to indicate a profound difference between people, viewpoints, or feelings, usually carrying a sense of depth or intensity.
|
Examples of usage
- There is a huge gulf between the rich and the poor in this country.
- The gulf between the two political parties seems impossible to bridge.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'gulf'
The word 'gulf' originated from the Middle English 'golfe', which came from the Old French 'golfe'. This in turn came from the Italian 'golfo' and the Late Latin 'gulfus', all meaning 'a deep inlet of the sea'. The term has been used for centuries to describe large bodies of water and later adapted to refer to political or social divisions.