Milepost: meaning, definitions and examples

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milepost

 

[ˈmaɪlˌpoʊst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

navigation

A milepost is a marker along a road that indicates the distance in miles from a specific starting point.

Synonyms

mile marker, milestone.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
milepost

Often used in the context of travel and transportation, especially along highways and roads to indicate distance.

  • The car broke down near the milepost 132.
  • Look for mileposts along the highway to know how far you have traveled.
mile marker

Similar to 'milepost', this term is used to refer to a marker along a road that reveals the distance to or from a specific point.

  • We passed mile marker 10 on our way to the campsite.
  • Mile markers help drivers keep track of their location on the highway.
milestone

Used more figuratively to indicate significant events or achievements in life, history, or a project.

  • Graduating from college is a major milestone in one's life.
  • The company celebrated its milestone of reaching 1 million customers.

Examples of usage

  • The milepost showed that we were 50 miles away from our destination.
  • According to the milepost, the next town is 10 miles ahead.
Context #2 | Noun

history

In ancient Rome, a milepost was a stone marker placed along roads to show the distance in miles to Rome.

Synonyms

mile marker, milestone.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
milepost

Used primarily in transportation to refer to a specific point on a road or railway, typically showing the distance in miles from a starting point.

  • The milepost indicated we were 50 miles from the city center.
  • Old mileposts can still be seen along some country roads.
mile marker

Commonly refers to signs placed along a highway or route to show the distance in miles from a specific location, often used in navigation and emergency situations.

  • We passed mile marker 100 just before the rest stop.
  • The accident was reported near mile marker 45.
milestone

Used more metaphorically to denote significant events or achievements in life, projects, or any kind of progress. It can refer to both literal markers and figurative achievements.

  • Graduating from university is a major milestone in a person's life.
  • The company reached an important milestone with the launch of its new product.

Examples of usage

  • The mileposts along the Appian Way helped travelers navigate their way to Rome.
  • The mileposts in ancient Rome were essential for communication and trade.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term combines 'mile,' an ancient measurement of distance, and 'post,' indicating a physical marker.
  • The word has its roots in Middle English and was influenced by Latin and Old French terms.

History

  • Mileposts were first used by the Romans to measure distances on their extensive road networks.
  • In the United States, mileposts became standardized in the mid-19th century to aid travelers and postal delivery.
  • They often featured not just distance but also directions to nearby towns or cities.

Cultural Significance

  • Mileposts often appear in literature and films as symbols of progress or the journey of life.
  • In some cultures, ceremonies are held at specific mileposts along important routes to mark significant life events.

Engineering

  • Modern mileposts are often equipped with technology to track vehicle speeds and traffic patterns.
  • In certain places, mile markers can also indicate the nearest exit or emergency assistance points.

Psychological Impact

  • Seeing mileposts can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation during long journeys.
  • In self-help practices, setting personal milestones is often compared to mileposts on the road to success.

Translations

Translations of the word "milepost" in other languages:

🇵🇹 marco de milha

🇮🇳 मील का पत्थर

🇩🇪 Meilenstein

🇮🇩 patok mil

🇺🇦 мильовий стовп

🇵🇱 kamień milowy

🇯🇵 マイル標

🇫🇷 borne milliaire

🇪🇸 hito de milla

🇹🇷 mil taşı

🇰🇷 마일표

🇸🇦 علامة الميل

🇨🇿 mílovník

🇸🇰 míľnik

🇨🇳 里程碑

🇸🇮 mejnik milje

🇮🇸 mílusteinn

🇰🇿 мильдік тас

🇬🇪 მილის ქვაკუთხედი

🇦🇿 mil daşı

🇲🇽 hito de milla