Crossway: meaning, definitions and examples

🛣️

Add to dictionary

crossway

[ˈkrɒsˌweɪ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

road intersection

A crossway is a point where two or more roads cross each other, typically with traffic lights or stop signs to regulate the flow of vehicles.

Synonyms

crossroads, intersection, junction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
crossway	Suitable for poetic or literary contexts, often implying a significant point in someone’s life or a metaphorical turning point. The hero stood at the crossway, pondering which path to take. Her decision at this crossway would determine the future course of her life.
intersection	Used in real-world contexts, particularly in traffic and urban planning. It refers specifically to the meeting point of two or more roads or paths. The traffic light at the intersection was malfunctioning, causing a backup. They agreed to meet at the intersection of 5th Avenue and Main Street.
junction	Commonly used in traffic, railway, and geographic contexts to describe a place where two or more paths or routes join. Typically used for more technical or formal situations. The interstate junction was closed due to construction. At the railway junction, the tracks split into three different directions.
crossroads	Often used metaphorically to describe a critical decision point in life, but also applicable in real-life navigation contexts. Carries a sense of an important or crucial choice. He found himself at a crossroads, needing to choose between two job offers. She stood at the crossroads, where two major highways intersected.

Examples of usage

The crossway was congested with traffic during rush hour.
Drivers should always be cautious when approaching a crossway.
I had to wait at the crossway for the pedestrian signal to turn green.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

religious usage

In Christian theology, a crossway symbolizes the intersection of faith and daily life, the point where spiritual beliefs guide one's actions and decisions.

Synonyms

convergence, intersection, merging.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
crossway	A place where two or more paths or streets intersect. Often used in the context of walking paths or smaller roads. She waited at the crossway, looking for the best moment to cross the street. They met at the crossway near the park.
intersection	A point where two or more roads cross each other. Commonly used in urban planning, traffic discussions, and geometry. There was a traffic light at the intersection to help manage the flow of cars. The police directed traffic at the busy intersection.
convergence	The process or point of coming together, often used in more abstract or scientific contexts such as technology, biology, or opinions. The convergence of the two technologies created a revolutionary product. There is a fascinating convergence of ideas in this book.
merging	The act of combining or uniting, often used in traffic scenarios or when discussing the incorporation of different entities. The two lanes were merging into one, causing traffic to slow down. The company is merging with a smaller rival to expand its market reach.

Examples of usage

She found solace in prayer at the crossway of her life's challenges.
The crossway between belief and practice is a central theme in Christian teachings.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'crossway' combines 'cross', meaning to intersect, and 'way', referring to a road or path.
Its origins can be traced back to Middle English, where it was spelled as 'crosweg'.
The word highlights the concept of connection and choices in travel.

Navigation

Crossways are key points in map reading, indicating where you might need to decide routes.
In early transportation, such as horse-drawn carriages, crossways played significant roles in travel logistics.
Modern GPS often references intersections and crossroads to provide directions.

Literature

Crossways are used symbolically in literature to represent choices and turning points in characters' lives.
Many stories depict characters facing dilemmas at such intersections, emphasizing the theme of choice.
The concept appears in various folk tales, where travelers find wisdom at crossroads.

Cultural References

In folklore, crossroads are often considered magical places, where one might encounter spirits or receive guidance.
Songs and poems frequently use crossways as metaphors for life's decisions and challenges.
Crossroads have been a theme in blues music, symbolizing struggles and pivotal moments in life.

Urban Planning

Urban planners design crossways to enhance safety and traffic flow, ensuring that pedestrians can cross roads easily.
The layout of a city often revolves around its crossways, influencing how communities develop.
Effective signage and signals at crossways help navigate the complexities of urban environments.

Translations

Translations of the word "crossway" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cruzamento

🇮🇳 चौराहा

🇩🇪 Kreuzung

🇮🇩 persimpangan

🇺🇦 перехрестя

🇵🇱 skrzyżowanie

🇯🇵 交差点 (こうさてん)

🇫🇷 carrefour

🇪🇸 cruce

🇹🇷 kavşak

🇰🇷 교차로 (gyochalo)

🇸🇦 تقاطع

🇨🇿 křižovatka

🇸🇰 križovatka

🇨🇳 交叉口 (jiāochākǒu)

🇸🇮 križišče

🇮🇸 gatnamót

🇰🇿 қиылыс

🇬🇪 გზაჯვარედინი

🇦🇿 kəsişmə

🇲🇽 cruce