having immense or fathomless extension downward, backward...

Question

abysmal1 a: having immense or fathomless extension downward, backward, or inward &lt;an abysmal cliff&gt;[M-W's Col Dic]What is an abysmal cliff? A cliff has rather upward extension, not downward, backward, or inward.

BarbaraPA · Accepted Answer

It said "or" - it can extend in any of those directions.

I've never heard this usage of the word..

Tidus · Answer

Where did you get that definition? Abysmal means very bad - and it tends to relate to things like "the weather was abysmal", "his job prospects are abysmal". I've never known it relate to a cliff!

"Abyss" on the other hand, means a long way down - seemingly bottomless usually.

Are you sure there's no confusion going on between the two words?

Tidus · Answer

it's ok, I see where you got it from. It also dates it as circa 1656. I'd ignore that definition. You also might be better sticking to Oxford or Cambridge dictionaries.

Jackson6612 · Answer

Grammar GeekIt said "or" - it can extend in any of those directions.

GG, what's the point in saying It said or? I know it can extend in any of those directions but not simultaneously.

BarbaraPA · Answer

Jackson6612
Grammar Geek
It said "or" - it can extend in any of those directions.

GG, what's the point in saying It said or? I know it can extend in any of those directions but not simultaneously.

Jackson, you seemed confused in your first post that something with an upward exptension could meet this definition, so I was pointing out that ANY of those directions would work. If you understood it could be up, or down, or out, then what was your original question about?

(I find m-w to be a great dictionary and I wouldn't worry about the comment that you should use a different one, but I hope you also take note when we tell you that native speakers rarely (or never) use a word in that context.)

Jackson6612 · Answer

Grammar Geek
Jackson6612
Grammar GeekIt said "or" - it can extend in any of those directions.

GG, what's the point in saying It said or? I know it can extend in any of those directions but not simultaneously.

Jackson, you seemed confused in your first post that something with an upward exptension could meet this definition, so I was pointing out that ANY of those directions would work. If you understood it could be up, or down, or out, then what was your original question about?

(I find m-w to be a great dictionary and I wouldn't worry about the comment that you should use a different one, but I hope you also take note when we tell you that native speakers rarely (or never) use a word in that context.)

I understand your point now. But a cliff has a upward entension, not backward, inward, or downward. The definition only mentions three directions: inward, backward, and downward.

BarbaraPA · Answer

Ah, I see. What about when you're at the top of the cliff? <img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/5.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/5.gif' alt='Emotion: wink'/>

Jackson6612 · Answer

Grammar GeekAh, I see. What about when you're at the top of the cliff?

Oh, I get it now. When I'm at the top, it would be an abysmal cliff, assuming it's a big one.

Marius Hancu · Answer

I think I've posted this already.

It seems that:

abysmal rock = abyssal rock = plutonic rock
-------------
plutonic rock

Function: noun

: an igneous rock (as granite) of holocrystalline granular texture regarded as having solidified at considerable depth below the surface

------------------

having immense or fathomless extension downward, backward...

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions