Gap vs. Rift — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 7, 2024
Gap often refers to a small space or opening between objects, while rift suggests a larger, deeper break or separation, especially in social or geological contexts.
Difference Between Gap and Rift
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A gap is typically a small or narrow opening, often found between two objects or points. For example, you might find a gap between two teeth or two pieces of fabric. On the other hand, a rift is generally larger and more significant, indicative of a serious break or division, such as in relationships or between tectonic plates.
In physical geography, gaps are often seen as passages or breaks in a barrier, such as a mountain range or wall. Whereas rifts in geography usually refer to large fissures in the Earth's crust, like the Great Rift Valley in Africa, which have more dramatic geological implications.
In social contexts, a gap might refer to a disparity, such as the gap between incomes or generations. Conversely, a rift implies a deeper division or estrangement within groups or between individuals, often difficult to reconcile.
In terms of usage, "gap" can be used both literally and metaphorically. It is often used in contexts like "skill gap" or "gap in the market." On the other hand, "rift" is frequently used in a metaphorical sense to describe significant fallouts or disagreements, such as "a rift in the party."
In literature and writing, gaps can be stylistic elements, such as gaps in a narrative that prompt reader engagement and interpretation. Rifts in literature, however, often symbolize major thematic breaks or conflicts, underscoring more profound impacts on the narrative and character relationships.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A break or opening between two objects
A deep fissure or separation
Scale
Usually small to moderate
Often large and significant
Usage in Geography
Passages or breaks in natural formations
Large fissures in the Earth's surface
Social Implication
Often implies disparity
Implies deep divisions or conflicts
Literary Usage
Can be real or metaphorical, often subtle
Usually metaphorical, with major implications
Compare with Definitions
Gap
A break or space where something is missing.
There was a noticeable gap in the fence where a plank had fallen out.
Rift
A geological fissure or separation.
The earthquake created a rift in the ground.
Gap
A disparity or difference between two things or groups.
The wage gap between men and women is a significant issue.
Rift
A literary device to show conflict.
The author used the rift between the characters to develop the plot.
Gap
An unfilled space in the market.
The new product fills a significant gap in the tech industry.
Rift
A metaphorical use to describe disagreements.
The debate highlighted the rift in public opinion on the issue.
Gap
A pause or break in continuity.
After a brief gap, the speaker continued her presentation.
Rift
A division or split within a group.
The policy decision created a rift within the political party.
Gap
A period of time between two events.
There was a five-year gap between the two Olympic Games.
Rift
A serious break in a relationship.
The argument caused a rift between the two friends that lasted years.
Gap
An opening in a solid structure or surface; a cleft or breach
Wriggled through a gap in the fence.
A large gap in the wall where the artillery shell had exploded.
Rift
In geology, a rift is a linear zone where the lithosphere is being pulled apart and is an example of extensional tectonics.Typical rift features are a central linear downfaulted depression, called a graben, or more commonly a half-graben with normal faulting and rift-flank uplifts mainly on one side. Where rifts remain above sea level they form a rift valley, which may be filled by water forming a rift lake.
Gap
A break in a line of defense.
Rift
A crack, split, or break in something
The wind had torn open a rift in the clouds
Gap
An opening through mountains; a pass.
Rift
A serious break in friendly relations
The rift between the two branches of the legal profession
Gap
A space between objects or points; an aperture
A gap between his front teeth.
Rift
Form fissures or breaks, especially through large-scale faulting; move apart
A fragment of continental crust which rifted away from eastern Australia
Gap
An interruption of continuity
A nine-minute gap in the recorded conversation.
Needed to fill in the gaps in her knowledge.
Rift
A fissure, crack, or opening, as in rock.
Gap
A conspicuous difference or imbalance; a disparity
A gap between revenue and spending.
The widening gap between rich and poor.
Rift
A break in friendly relations
A rift between siblings.
Gap
A problematic situation resulting from such a disparity
The budget gap.
The technology gap.
Rift
(Geology) An area where the lithosphere is thinning, typically associated with large faults and grabens.
Gap
A spark gap.
Rift
A shallow area in a waterway.
Gap
To make an opening or openings in
A wall that was gapped.
Rift
The backwash of a wave that has broken upon a beach.
Gap
To make or adjust a space between (objects or points) or in (a device)
Gap boards on a deck.
Gap a spark plug.
Rift
To split open; break.
Gap
To be or become open
Her coat gapped open.
Rift
To cause to split open or break.
Gap
An opening in anything made by breaking or parting.
He made a gap in the fence by kicking at a weak spot.
Rift
A chasm or fissure.
''My marriage is in trouble: the fight created a rift between us and we can't reconnect.
The Grand Canyon is a rift in the Earth's surface, but is smaller than some of the undersea ones.
Gap
An opening allowing passage or entrance.
We can slip through that gap between the buildings.
Rift
A break in the clouds, fog, mist etc., which allows light through.
Gap
An opening that implies a breach or defect.
There is a gap between the roof and the gutter.
Rift
A shallow place in a stream; a ford.
Gap
A vacant space or time.
I have a gap in my schedule next Tuesday.
Rift
(intransitive) To form a rift; to split open.
Gap
A hiatus, a pause in something which is otherwise continuous.
I'm taking a gap.
You must wait for a gap in the traffic before crossing the road.
Rift
(transitive) To cleave; to rive; to split.
To rift an oak
Gap
A vacancy, deficit, absence, or lack.
Their departure has left a gap in the workforce.
Find words to fill the gaps in an incomplete sentence.
Rift
To belch.
Gap
A mountain or hill pass.
The exploring party went through the high gap in the mountains.
Rift
An opening made by riving or splitting; a cleft; a fissure.
Gap
(Sussex) A sheltered area of coast between two cliffs (mostly restricted to place names).
At Birling Gap we can stop and go have a picnic on the beach.
Rift
A shallow place in a stream; a ford.
Gap
(baseball) The regions between the outfielders.
Jones doubled through the gap.
Rift
To cleave; to rive; to split; as, to rift an oak or a rock; to rift the clouds.
To dwell these rifted rocks between.
Gap
The shortfall between the amount the medical insurer will pay to the service provider and the scheduled fee for the item.
Rift
To burst open; to split.
Timber . . . not apt to rif with ordnance.
Gap
(AU) (usually written as "the gap") The disparity between the indigenous and non-indigenous communities with regard to life expectancy, education, health, etc.
Rift
To belch.
Gap
(genetics) An unsequenced region in a sequence alignment.
Rift
A gap between cloud masses;
The sun shone through a rift in the clouds
Gap
(transitive) To notch, as a sword or knife.
Rift
A narrow fissure in rock
Gap
(transitive) To make an opening in; to breach.
Rift
A personal or social separation (as between opposing factions);
They hoped to avoid a break in relations
Gap
(transitive) To check the size of a gap.
I gapped all the spark plugs in my car, but then realized I had used the wrong manual and had made them too small.
Gap
To leave suddenly.
Gap
An opening in anything made by breaking or parting; as, a gap in a fence; an opening for a passage or entrance; an opening which implies a breach or defect; a vacant space or time; a hiatus; a mountain pass.
Miseries ensued by the opening of that gap.
It would make a great gap in your own honor.
Gap
The vertical distance between two superposed surfaces, esp. in a biplane.
Gap
To notch, as a sword or knife.
Gap
To make an opening in; to breach.
Their masses are gapp'd with our grape.
Gap
A conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures;
Gap between income and outgo
The spread between lending and borrowing costs
Gap
An open or empty space in or between things;
There was a small opening between the trees
The explosion made a gap in the wall
Gap
A narrow opening;
He opened the window a crack
Gap
A pass between mountain peaks
Gap
An act of delaying or interrupting the continuity;
It was presented without commercial breaks
Gap
Make an opening or gap in
Common Curiosities
Is a rift always negative?
In most contexts, a rift is considered negative as it implies a deep and often harmful division.
Can a gap be physical?
Yes, a gap can be a physical space or opening between two objects or areas.
Can gaps exist in knowledge or skills?
Yes, gaps frequently refer to areas of missing expertise or knowledge, often highlighted in educational or professional contexts.
Can a gap be beneficial?
Yes, a gap can be beneficial, especially in competitive scenarios like markets, where identifying and filling a gap can lead to business opportunities.
Are rifts common in relationships beyond the personal scope?
Yes, rifts can occur in professional environments, international relations, and between cultural or social groups, often with substantial repercussions.
What is a gap in a social context?
A gap in a social context often refers to disparities or differences, such as in income or opportunity.
What does rift mean in geology?
In geology, a rift is a significant fissure in the Earth's crust that can lead to large-scale geological changes.
How does a rift affect relationships?
A rift in relationships refers to a serious break or division that can be challenging to repair.
How are gaps used in technology?
In technology, gaps often refer to areas where current products, services, or capabilities fall short of market needs or expectations.
What can cause a rift in a community?
A rift in a community can be caused by conflicts, varying beliefs, or disagreements that create deep divisions among its members.
What does it mean to bridge a gap?
Bridging a gap involves overcoming differences or obstacles between positions, beliefs, or knowledge, aiming to find common ground or solutions.
How do gaps and rifts compare in their permanence?
Gaps are often seen as temporary and more easily bridged, while rifts, especially in relationships or geological contexts, are typically more enduring and challenging to reconcile.
What are the consequences of a rift in a political party?
A rift in a political party can lead to weakened unity, reduced effectiveness in governance, and sometimes the splintering of the party into factions.
Is a rift repairable in geological terms?
In geological terms, a rift isn’t typically something that can be "repaired" as it is a natural part of tectonic plate movements, but its effects can be managed.
How do gaps influence decision-making in business?
Gaps in information or market coverage can significantly influence business decisions, often prompting new strategies or product development to fill those gaps.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
