Detouring: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when you need to change your route to avoid an obstacle or for sightseeing, typically in a travel or navigation scenario.

• We took a detouring route to see the beautiful countryside.
• The main road is closed, so we are detouring through the nearby town.

Applied when changing or diverging from a set plan, path, or action, often used in formal or academic contexts.

• We had to deviate from our original plan due to unexpected delays.
• If you deviate from the instructions, the experiment may not work.

Used to describe a quick, evasive movement to avoid something, often used informally and can have a negative connotation suggesting avoidance.

• He tried to dodge the question during the interview.
• I had to dodge the oncoming bicycles in the crowded park.

Used primarily when avoiding something like traffic congestion, a city center, or a problem, often in a planned and structured way.

• We took the bypass to avoid the city traffic.
• Is there a way to bypass this issue in the software?

When the planned route is temporarily blocked or unavailable, and you need to take a different path to reach your destination.

• Due to the road construction, we were detouring through the city streets
• The police directed traffic by detouring vehicles around the accident site

When traffic or travelers are officially redirected to another route due to roadworks, accidents, or other planned events. Sometimes has a more formal or enforced implication.

• Due to maintenance work, there was a diversion via the next town
• Temporary traffic diversions are in place because of the marathon

When you need a different way to get to your destination, often planned in advance or suggested due to traffic, road closure, or other obstacles.

• There’s a lot of traffic on the main highway; let's take an alternate route
• GPS suggested an alternate route to avoid the congestion

When taking a faster route or a path that reduces the distance traveled, typically less formal or known to locals.

• I know a shortcut through the back alleys that will save us 10 minutes
• She often takes a shortcut through the park to get home quicker