Words / B2

t-uh-RAYN/təˈreɪn/

Terrain is land considered for its physical character: difficult terrain; mountainous terrain (often uncountable). Landscape is more visual; territory is political control. Do not call a city centre terrain unless you mean ground conditions. Military and geography texts use terrain.

Meaning

A type of land, especially considering how easy it is to cross (uncountable in many uses).

Examples

• “Flooded terrain delayed the repair crews.”
• “The pipeline crosses difficult terrain, which is why costs rose.”

Good to know

difficult / mountainous / unknown terrain. Often uncountable. Visual: landscape. Political: territory. Geography/military register. Not a high street.

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