这些形容词均含“陡峭的,险峻的”之意。
steep : 指坡度向上逐渐增加的斜陡坡,强调险峻,暗示难于攀登。
- a steep flight of stairs
一段很陡的楼梯 - The path grew steeper as we climbed higher.
我们越往上爬路就越陡。
abrupt : 着重指地形突然起伏,形成尖角状。
- The road is full of abrupt [ sudden] turns and is dangerous for motoring.
这条路到处都是急转弯,开汽车很危险。
sheer : 指自始至终近于垂直的陡峭,不仅仅很难爬上去,甚至于不可能攀登。
- Outside there was a sheer drop down to the sea below.
外面是一道陡坡,直插大海。