Overpass: meaning, definitions and examples

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overpass

 

[ ˈoʊvərˌpæs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

road construction

An overpass is a bridge that carries one road or railway over another.

Synonyms

bridge, flyover.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
overpass

Used primarily in American English to describe a road or railway that crosses over another road or railway at a higher level.

  • The new overpass has reduced traffic congestion during rush hours.
  • We drove over the overpass and saw the beautiful cityscape below.
bridge

A general term for a structure built to span physical obstacles, such as a river, valley, or road, meant for pedestrians, vehicles, or trains.

  • The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in the world.
  • We went for a walk across the pedestrian bridge to enjoy the view of the river.
flyover

Commonly used in British English and refers to an elevated road bridge that allows traffic to pass over main roads or highways without hindrance.

  • The flyover helps to avoid long waiting times at traffic signals.
  • Driving on the flyover, I realized how much smoother the traffic flow is now.

Examples of usage

  • We had to take the overpass to avoid the traffic jam.
  • The overpass collapsed during the earthquake.
Context #2 | Noun

urban planning

An overpass is a structure built to allow pedestrians or vehicles to cross a road or railway safely without interfering with the traffic flow.

Synonyms

crossing, pedestrian bridge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
overpass

This word is often used in the context of a bridge or elevated structure that allows vehicles to pass over a road or railway. It is typically associated with roadways and highways.

  • The new overpass has reduced traffic congestion on the main road
  • You can take the overpass to avoid the busy intersection
pedestrian bridge

This phrase is specifically used to describe a bridge designed for people to walk over roads or other obstacles. It emphasizes that it is meant for pedestrian use only.

  • The new pedestrian bridge connects the park to the residential area
  • During rush hour, many people use the pedestrian bridge to cross the highway safely
crossing

This term is more general and can refer to any place where people or vehicles can cross a road, railway, or river. It is used in contexts involving both pedestrians and vehicles.

  • Be careful when approaching the railway crossing
  • The pedestrian crossing is located near the traffic lights

Examples of usage

  • The city council approved the construction of a new overpass near the school.
  • The overpass provides a safe passage for pedestrians.

Translations

Translations of the word "overpass" in other languages:

🇵🇹 viaduto

🇮🇳 ऊपरी पुल

🇩🇪 Überführung

🇮🇩 jembatan layang

🇺🇦 надземний перехід

🇵🇱 wiadukt

🇯🇵 陸橋

🇫🇷 passage supérieur

🇪🇸 paso elevado

🇹🇷 üst geçit

🇰🇷 고가도로

🇸🇦 جسر علوي

🇨🇿 nadzemní přechod

🇸🇰 nadjazd

🇨🇳 立交桥

🇸🇮 nadvoz

🇮🇸 yfirferð

🇰🇿 үстінен өту

🇬🇪 ზედა გადასასვლელი

🇦🇿 üst keçid

🇲🇽 paso elevado

Etymology

The word 'overpass' originated in the early 20th century, combining 'over' and 'pass'. It first appeared in American English to describe a bridge carrying one road over another. Overpasses became more common with the growth of automobile traffic and the need to separate different roadways for safety and efficiency.

See also: bypass, impassable, impasse, passable, passably, passage, passcode, passé, passenger, passer, passing, passingly, passion, passionately, passive, passkey, underpass, unpassability, unpassable.