gulf
UK: ɡʌlf | US: ɡʌlf
n. a large area of sea or ocean partially enclosed by land
n. a wide or profound difference between people, ideas, or situations
n. (archaic) a deep chasm or abyss
The word "gulf" traces back to the Old French "golfe," derived from the Italian "golfo," which itself originates from the Late Latin "colfos" (a transliteration of the Greek "kolpos," meaning "bosom" or "bay"). The Greek term metaphorically described the curved shape of a bay, resembling the fold of a garment or a human bosom. Over time, the meaning expanded to include any large, enclosed body of water and later figurative gaps or divisions.
The Persian Gulf is a vital shipping route for oil tankers.
There is a growing gulf between the rich and the poor in modern society.
The hikers avoided the steep gulf that split the mountain ridge.
The cultural gulf between the two nations made negotiations difficult.
Ancient maps often marked uncharted waters with warnings of monstrous gulfs.