cliff
Cliff (noun) means a high, steep face of rock, often found along a coastline. Example: “They watched the sunset from the top of the cliff.”
How to use cliff
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA steep rock face, often by the sea, or figuratively any point of sudden, sharp decline.
Word forms
cliffs plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They watched the sunset from the top of the _____.
Etymology
From Old English clif, meaning "steep rock face."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for cliff
See all rhymes for cliff →Frequently asked questions
What does “cliff” mean?
The word “cliff” means a high, steep face of rock, often found along a coastline. In plain terms, a steep rock face, often by the sea, or figuratively any point of sudden, sharp decline.
How do you pronounce “cliff”?
“Cliff” is pronounced klihf (/klɪf/ in IPA).
How do you use “cliff” in a sentence?
Here is “cliff” used in a sentence: “They watched the sunset from the top of the cliff.”
What part of speech is “cliff”?
“Cliff” is a noun.
Where does the word “cliff” come from?
The word “cliff” comes from Old English. From Old English clif, meaning "steep rock face.".
Is “cliff” a common word?
“Cliff” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “cliff” have?
“Cliff” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a high, steep face of rock, often found along a coastline.
What is the difference between a cliff and a bluff?
A cliff is a high, steep face of rock that is often nearly vertical and frequently found along a coastline. A bluff is also a steep slope or headland but tends to be broader and less sheer, sometimes covered with soil or vegetation rather than being bare rock.
What is the difference between a cliff and a precipice?
A cliff is a general term for a high, steep rock face along a coast or inland. A precipice emphasises the sheer, dangerous drop at the very edge, and the word is often used figuratively for the brink of a disaster.
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