Detour Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ง
detour
[หdiห.tสษr ]
Definitions
road trip
A detour is a longer route that you take in order to avoid a problem or to see something interesting. It is a deviation from the usual or planned route.
Synonyms
alternative route, diversion, reroute.
Examples of usage
- I had to take a detour because the main road was closed for construction.
- We took a detour to visit a beautiful scenic route.
driving
To detour means to take a longer route in order to avoid an obstruction or to visit a particular place.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- We had to detour around the accident on the highway.
- The bus driver detoured through the countryside to show us some scenic views.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Travel and Geography
- Detours are common in roadwork situations, allowing traffic to flow while repairs are made.
- Some travelers embrace detours, finding scenic routes instead of sticking to the fastest path.
- In hiking, a detour might lead adventurers to discover hidden waterfalls or viewpoints.
Psychology
- Taking a detour can change one's perspective, often leading to unexpected insights or creative solutions.
- Psychologists suggest that embracing the unexpected in life, much like a detour, can increase happiness.
- The concept of 'cognitive detour' involves changing one's thinking patterns to solve problems more effectively.
Cultural References
- In literature, unexpected detours often symbolize character growth or transformation.
- Detours are a common theme in road trip movies, representing adventure and personal discovery.
- In music, songs about traveling often reference detours as metaphors for life's unexpected journeys.
Origin of 'detour'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'detour' comes from the French 'dรฉtourner', meaning 'to turn aside'.
- It first appeared in English in the early 1800s, originally referring to a diversion in a road.
- The prefix 'de-' suggests a reversal or removal, while 'tour' suggests a journey or path.
The word 'detour' originated from the French word 'dรฉtour', which means 'a turning'. It was first used in English in the early 19th century. The concept of taking a detour has been around for centuries, as travelers have always needed to find alternative routes to reach their destinations. The term has evolved to encompass not only physical road diversions but also metaphorical deviations from the original path.
See also: entourage, tour, touring, tourism, tourist, tourists.