What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gorge
Example
The hikers walked through the gorge, admiring the beautiful rock formations. [gorge: noun]
Example
The river had carved a deep gorge into the landscape over time. [gorge: verb]
defile
Example
The army marched through the defile, which was the only way to reach the other side of the mountain. [defile: noun]
Example
It was challenging to defile the dense forest to reach the hidden waterfall. [defile: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gorge is more commonly used than defile in everyday language, especially when referring to natural landscapes. Defile is less common and has a more specific usage.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between gorge and defile?
Both gorge and defile are versatile words that can be used in various formality levels, allowing them to be used in both formal and informal contexts.