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Detoured Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ›ฃ๏ธ
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detoured

[dษชหˆtสŠr ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

travel route

To detour means to take a longer or alternative route when traveling, often due to obstacles, constructions, or road closures on the original path. It signifies a temporary change in the intended course of action. Detours can occur in various situations, not solely in driving, but also in walking or navigating through complex environments. A detour is often necessary to maintain progress despite unexpected challenges.

Synonyms

bypass, divert, re-route.

Examples of usage

  • We had to detour around the construction site.
  • The heavy rain forced us to detour through back roads.
  • During the marathon, participants were detoured due to safety concerns.
  • The GPS rerouted us after we detoured from the main highway.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Travel and Navigation

  • Detours are often necessary during construction work where roadblocks make the preferred routes unavailable.
  • Modern GPS systems can automatically reroute drivers based on traffic conditions or accidents, illustrating a technological innovation in navigation.
  • Exploring unplanned routes can lead to discovering new scenic views, eateries, and experiences that you would otherwise miss.

Psychology

  • Cognitive detours, or taking indirect paths in problem-solving, can lead to more creative and effective solutions.
  • The concept of 'detours' can apply to life events, teaching resilience by helping individuals adapt to unexpected changes.
  • Research shows that embracing detours in life can result in greater satisfaction and growth through new experiences.

Cultural References

  • In literature and storytelling, detours often symbolize personal growth or character development by leading protagonists away from their original goals.
  • Songs and movies frequently use the metaphor of a detour to depict life's unexpected twists and turns, emphasizing that plans may change.
  • Travel narratives often celebrate detours, as they can lead to finding hidden gems and unforgettable memories beyond the beaten path.

Everyday Usage

  • The concept has extended beyond travel, commonly used in conversations about relationships or career paths where individuals must take alternative routes to reach their goals.
  • In technology, software development can involve detours when programmers need to go back and fix bugs, representing the iterative nature of creating complex systems.
  • Detours are metaphorically applicable in education, where students may explore varying subjects to find their passions, much like taking a different road to learn something new.

Origin of 'detoured'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'detour' comes from the French word 'dรฉtourner,' meaning to turn aside.
  • Initially used in the context of roads, its meaning has expanded over time to include figurative paths in life decisions.
  • In English, the word began to appear in the late 19th century, particularly in road and travel literature.

The word 'detour' originates from the early 19th century, derived from the French term 'dรฉtour', which combines 'dรฉ-' meaning 'off' and 'tour' meaning 'turn'. Initially used in the context of road navigation, it reflected the practice of taking a longer path to avoid obstacles. Over time, the term expanded beyond geographical routes to indicate deviations in plans or processes in various contexts, including discussions, projects, and strategies. The increased use of motor vehicles in the 20th century further popularized the term as road infrastructure evolved, necessitating detours not only for construction but also for continuous maintenance of highways.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,777, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.