heath
- 01 C1 Advanced
a large area of open, wild land with sandy soil and low plants, but few trees.
a tract of open, uncultivated land characterized by poor, acidic soil and scrubby vegetation.
Simple“We spent the afternoon walking across the windy heath near the coast.”
In context“The preservation of the lowland heath is vital for several rare bird species that nest exclusively in the dense gorse and heather.”
Teacher's tipThis term is much more common in British English than American English, where 'scrubland' or 'moor' might be used depending on the geography.
Synonyms - 02 C2 Proficiency
a small evergreen plant with tiny leaves and flowers that grows in wild, dry areas.
any of various low-growing evergreen shrubs of the family Ericaceae, particularly those in the genus Erica.
Simple“The garden was filled with purple heath that bloomed even in the cold.”
In context“The botanist identified several varieties of alpine heath clinging to the rocky crevices above the tree line.”
UsageIn general conversation, 'heather' is the more common term for the plant; 'heath' is often reserved for technical or botanical contexts.
Synonyms
“The short survey comes weeks after a devastating wildfire at Dunwich Heath and nearby RSPB Minsmere destroyed vital wildlife habitats, which could take years to recover.”