What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abyss
Example
The diver was afraid to jump into the abyss below. [abyss: noun]
Example
The company was on the brink of financial abyss. [abyss: metaphorical usage]
chasm
Example
The hiker had to jump over the chasm to reach the other side. [chasm: noun]
Example
There is a chasm between the rich and poor in this country. [chasm: metaphorical usage]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Chasm is more commonly used than abyss in everyday language. Chasm is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while abyss is less common and often used in a metaphorical sense.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between abyss and chasm?
Both abyss and chasm are formal words, but abyss may be considered more literary or poetic due to its mythological origins and metaphorical usage.
