abyss
Abyss (noun) means a very deep, seemingly bottomless chasm or void. Example: “The climbers peered nervously into the dark abyss below.”
How to Use Abyss
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA bottomless-seeming pit, literal or figurative — used for physical depths or dire situations.
Word Forms
abysses plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The climbers peered nervously into the dark _____ below.
Etymology
From Greek abyssos, "bottomless," from a- ("not") plus byssos ("depth") — describing a gulf so deep it has no floor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “abyss” mean?
The word “abyss” means a very deep, seemingly bottomless chasm or void. In plain terms, a bottomless-seeming pit, literal or figurative — used for physical depths or dire situations.
How do you pronounce “abyss”?
“Abyss” is pronounced uh-BIHS (/əˈbɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “abyss” in a sentence?
Here is “abyss” used in a sentence: “The climbers peered nervously into the dark abyss below.”
What part of speech is “abyss”?
“Abyss” is a noun.
Where does the word “abyss” come from?
The word “abyss” comes from Greek. From Greek abyssos, "bottomless," from a- ("not") plus byssos ("depth") — describing a gulf so deep it has no floor.
Is “abyss” a common word?
“Abyss” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “abyss” have?
“Abyss” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a very deep, seemingly bottomless chasm or void.
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