Crossroads: meaning, definitions and examples

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crossroads

[ˈkrɒsˌrəʊdz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

at a decision

A point at which a crucial decision must be made that will have far-reaching consequences.

Synonyms

intersection, junction, turning point.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
crossroads	Use this when referring to a place where two or more roads meet, especially in rural or less traffic-heavy areas. It can also be used metaphorically to indicate a critical decision point in someone's life. The small village is located at a quiet crossroads. She felt she was at a crossroads in her career.
junction	Typically used for major road or rail connections where significant routes meet or diverge. It can also be applied in a metaphorical sense similar to 'crossroads'. Take the next left at the junction to get onto the highway. The city lies at the junction of two major rail lines.
intersection	This word is most suitable for urban settings where roads with significant traffic meet. It's a more technical term often used by city planners and in navigation. The traffic light at the intersection was broken, causing a major delay. There are several intersections on the way to your office.
turning point	This is used exclusively in a metaphorical sense to describe a moment or event that marks a significant change or development in someone's life or in a situation. It carries a sense of irreversible change. Graduating from college was a turning point in her life. The discovery of antibiotics was a turning point in medical history.

Examples of usage

She found herself at a crossroads in her career, unsure which path to take next.
The company is at a crossroads and must decide whether to expand or downsize.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

physical location

An intersection of two or more roads.

Synonyms

crossing, crossway, intersection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
crossroads	Use when talking about a critical decision point in life or an important turning point. Can also refer to a place where two main roads intersect, often in rural areas. She was at a crossroads in her career and had to make a choice. We met at the old crossroads outside of town.
crossing	Typically used to describe a place where people, vehicles, or trains can go across something like a road, river, or railway. Always wait for the green light before using the pedestrian crossing. The river crossing took longer than we expected.
crossway	Less commonly used but can refer to an intersection or a path that crosses another. Mostly used in more poetic or literary contexts. In the early morning light, they found themselves standing at an ancient crossway.
intersection	Commonly used in urban settings where streets or roads meet at a right angle. Often used in driving and traffic contexts. Turn left at the next intersection. There was a minor accident at the intersection of 5th and Main.

Examples of usage

He waited at the crossroads for the traffic light to change.
The old inn was located at the crossroads of two major highways.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term originates from Old English, where 'cross' referred to intersecting paths.
Historically, the word was used metaphorically to describe important choices in life beyond just physical roads.
The concept dates back to when early travelers came to decision points on their journeys, making it a significant part of navigation.

Literature

Crossroads are often symbolic in literature, representing important life decisions or changes.
In the works of Robert Johnson, the musician mythologized traveling to a crossroads to gain incredible talent, blending folklore and music.
Many characters in novels and plays find themselves at crossroads, emphasizing themes of choice and destiny.

Cultural Significance

In various cultures, crossroads are seen as places where one might encounter spirits or deities, representing a meeting of the physical and spiritual worlds.
Some traditions believe that rituals at crossroads can influence important life decisions or bring luck.
The crossroads motif appears in various folk tales, often depicting a choice between good and evil.

Urban Planning

Crossroads play a crucial role in city planning, as they determine traffic flow and accessibility within urban areas.
Strategically placed crossroads can enhance business opportunities, bringing more foot traffic to shops and restaurants.
Engineers design intersections carefully to maintain safety and efficiency for drivers and pedestrians alike.

Philosophy

Philosophically, a crossroads represents a moment of decision that can significantly alter an individual’s life path.
The concept invites reflection on free will and the consequences of one's choices, often discussed in existentialism.
Many philosophical discussions revolve around what it means to choose one's own path versus adhering to destiny.

Translations

Translations of the word "crossroads" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cruzamento

🇮🇳 चौराहा

🇩🇪 Kreuzung

🇮🇩 persimpangan

🇺🇦 перехрестя

🇵🇱 skrzyżowanie

🇯🇵 交差点

🇫🇷 carrefour

🇪🇸 cruce

🇹🇷 kavşak

🇰🇷 교차로

🇸🇦 تقاطع

🇨🇿 křižovatka

🇸🇰 križovatka

🇨🇳 十字路口

🇸🇮 križišče

🇮🇸 gatnamót

🇰🇿 қиылыс

🇬🇪 გამოსასვლელი

🇦🇿 kəsişmə

🇲🇽 cruce