Words / B2

KAN-y-uh-n/ˈkænjən/

A canyon is a deep valley with steep sides, usually carved by a river: a river canyon; canyon walls. Gorge is a close British twin; valley is wider and gentler. Map the canyon on the OS extract. Mix-up: cannon (a gun); canyon as a brand. Do not call a shallow ditch a canyon.

Meaning

A deep valley with steep sides, usually carved by a river.

Examples

• “Map the canyon on the OS extract, not a film title.”
• “A gorge is the close UK twin in the same enquiry, which is the steep-valley sense.”

Good to know

a river canyon; canyon walls / floor. Close: gorge. Wider: valley. Trap: cannon. Geography. A deep steep-sided valley, not a puddle.

Near in meaning

gorge

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