What is crevice? Pronunciation and usage in English

crevice means . Learn how to pronounce and use crevice through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of crevice

crevicenoun

/ˈkrevɪs//ˈkrevɪs/
Definition & pronunciation of crevice

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "crevice." It's a tricky one for English speakers! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Sounds:

  • “cre”: This part sounds like “kray” – similar to the word “crazy” but without the “z” sound at the end. The “r” is a dark “r,” meaning it’s a rolled “r” if you can do it. If you can’t roll your “r”s easily, a slightly softened “r” is fine.
  • “vi”: This sounds like "vee" – as in the letter “V”.
  • “ce”: This sounds like "s" – as in “sun”.
  • “-age”: This blends into the “-age” sound, which is a short “e” sound, similar to the “e” in “bed.”

2. Putting it Together:

The full pronunciation is approximately: “KRAY-vee-s”

3. Emphasis:

  • The primary stress is on the first syllable: “KRAY”

4. Tips for Getting it Right:

  • The "r" sound: This is the key. Try to make the "r" a little bit truer to a rolled "r" if you can. If not, just make sure it's not completely silent.
  • Short “e” at the end: Don't let the “e” in “age” slide into an “ay” sound (like in “bed”). Keep it short and crisp.

Resources for Hearing it:

  • Google Translate: Type "crevice" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. It will give you a clear pronunciation.
  • Forvo: (https://forvo.com/word/crevice/) This website has pronunciations recorded by native speakers.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a slightly different breakdown of a specific part of the word?

Usage and examples with the word crevice in English

Let's break down how to use the word "crevice" effectively in English. It's a wonderfully descriptive word, but it's not used as often as some others.

1. Core Meaning:

At its simplest, a "crevice" is a narrow opening or fissure. Think of it as a small gap or crack.

2. Different Contexts & Usage:

Here's how it's used in various situations, with examples:

  • Geological/Physical: This is the most common and straightforward use.

    • "The explorer squeezed through a narrow crevice in the rock face."
    • "A small crevice formed in the old sandstone wall after years of weathering."
    • “The mountain range was riddled with deep crevices.”

  • Figurative (Emotional/Psychological): "Crevice" can describe a small, hidden space in someone's thoughts, feelings, or past that can cause difficulty or pain. This is a more literary or nuanced use.

    • "A deep crevice of regret lingered within him after the argument." (Meaning: a hidden, painful memory)
    • "The trauma created a crevice in her psyche, making it difficult for her to trust others." (Meaning: a vulnerable spot created by the trauma)

  • Small Spaces (Objects/Furniture): It often refers to a small, narrow space within something.

    • "The coins were stuck in a crevice of the drawer."
    • “There was a crevice in the seat of the old armchair.”
    • "A crevice formed between the floorboards."

  • Clothing/Fabric: Can describe a fold or seam.

    • "The seam created a small crevice in the fabric."

3. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Crack
  • Gap
  • Fissure
  • Rift
  • Notch
  • Split
  • Opening

4. Important Notes & Nuances:

  • Size Matters: "Crevice" implies a small opening. If it's a large gap, you’d likely use a word like "rift," "break," or "chasm."

  • Emphasis on Narrowness: The key characteristic of a crevice is its narrowness.

  • Formal Tone: "Crevice" is generally considered a more formal word than "crack" or "gap."

5. Example Sentences Combining Different Uses:

  • "The rain revealed a sharp crevice in the ancient stone wall, exposing the moss beneath." (Geological)
  • “His past held a painful crevice that he couldn’t seem to escape.” (Figurative - emotional)
  • “She found a small crevice in her jacket pocket where she’d lost her pen.” (Physical space)

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you working on? (e.g., fiction, non-fiction, creative writing, academic?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're struggling to use the word in?

Synonyms for the word crevice

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