rift

rift — noun

1. a long, narrow break in the earth's surface, rock, or other solid material, usua

1.nounB2
Definition

a long, narrow break in the earth's surface, rock, or other solid material, usually formed when natural forces pull the material apart

Example

A deep rift ran across the valley floor after last month's earthquake.

Noor pointed to a narrow rift in the rocky cliff where fossils were visible.

collocation: narrow rift + location phrase

Common collocations
  • deep rift
  • narrow rift
  • volcanic rift
  • rift valley
  • rift in the ground
Synonyms
  • fissure

    a more technical term for a narrow crack, especially in rock; often used in geology

  • crack

    more general term for any narrow opening; less specific to geological formations

  • crevasse

    specifically a deep open crack in a glacier or ice sheet

Antonyms
  • seam

    a line where two pieces of material are joined, the opposite of a break

Grammar Patterns

often followed by 'in' or 'between' to describe location

Usage Note

Primarily used in geological contexts to describe natural formations such as those caused by earthquakes, erosion, or volcanic activity.

Common Mistakes

There was a rift in the kitchen wall.
There was a crack in the kitchen wall.
'Rift' describes a large natural break in rock or ground, not a small crack in a building surface.

2. an angry disagreement between people or groups who were previously close, result

2.nounB2
Definition

an angry disagreement between people or groups who were previously close, resulting in lasting damage to their relationship or a complete separation

Example

The growing rift between Anya and her cousin made family gatherings awkward.

collocation: growing rift between [people]

Political rifts within the organisation led to the resignation of three board members.

Common collocations
  • heal a rift
  • cause a rift
  • widen the rift
  • growing rift
  • family rift
  • political rift
  • rift between friends
Synonyms
  • schism

    a more formal word for a split, especially in a religious or political group; suggests an official division

  • estrangement

    focuses on emotional distance and loss of affection between individuals, often family members

  • breach

    a break in a relationship caused by an action that is seen as a violation of trust

Antonyms
  • reconciliation

    the act of mending a broken relationship

  • harmony

    a state of agreement and peaceful coexistence

Grammar Patterns

rift + between + [two parties]

rift + within + [group]

rift + over + [issue]

Usage Note

Commonly used with 'between' to name the two sides involved, or 'within' for a single group that is splitting. Often paired with verbs like 'heal', 'cause', 'widen', or 'create'.

Common Mistakes

We had a small rift about what to eat for dinner.
We had a disagreement about what to eat for dinner.
'Rift' suggests a serious, lasting separation, not a minor everyday argument.

rift — verb

Word family

  • rifted
    adjectiveC2
  • rift valley
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

While all three words describe a breakdown in a relationship, they differ in scope and emphasis. 'Rift' (most common) suggests a growing separation between individuals or groups, often caused by a disagreement — such as a political rift within a party. 'Schism' is more formal and implies a formal split, usually in an organisation, religion, or political body, where the sides become separate entities. 'Estrangement' focuses on the emotional distance between people — especially family members — who were once close but have grown apart, whether or not a single triggering event occurred. For everyday use, 'rift' is the natural choice; 'schism' suits institutional divisions; 'estrangement' fits personal, emotional distance. Example: 'A rift developed between the two friends after the argument, but it was the kind of estrangement that lasted years before anyone tried to heal it.'

rift ↗schismestrangement

Common collocations

Adverbs

Phrases

  • rift between X and Y
  • rift within a group
  • rift over an issue

Prepositions

Etymology

Old NorseMiddle EnglishEnglish

The word 'rift' comes from Old Norse 'rift' (a cleft or breach), which is related to the Old English verb 'rīfan' meaning 'to tear or rend'. This Norse root is also connected to the modern English word 'rive' (to tear apart violently). The geological sense — a crack in the earth — appeared first in English, and the relational sense — a break in a friendship or group — developed later as a metaphor, comparing a damaged relationship to a crack in solid ground.