Road: meaning, definitions and examples

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road

 

[ rəʊd ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

travel

A wide way leading from one place to another, especially one with a specially prepared surface that vehicles can use

Synonyms

highway, route, street.

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Word Description / Examples
road

Common term for any paved pathway where vehicles travel, not specific to any particular type. It can be used in general conversation when referring to pathways for cars, trucks, and other vehicles. It’s a broad term.

  • I live on a quiet road in the suburbs.
  • The road was closed due to construction.
street

Typically used in urban or suburban settings to describe narrower roads within towns or cities lined with buildings, houses, or businesses. It’s more personal and often implies a neighborhood feel.

  • I live on Main Street.
  • The new restaurant opened on Baker Street.
highway

Used to describe major roads designed for fast travel between cities or regions, equipped with multiple lanes. It often implies higher speed limits and longer distances.

  • We took the highway to get to the next city faster.
  • There was a lot of traffic on the highway this morning.
route

Best used when describing a specific path or course taken to get from one place to another, often used in the context of maps or directions. It can also refer to regular service paths, like bus routes.

  • What route are you taking to get there?
  • The bus route was changed because of the parade.

Examples of usage

  • Traffic was moving slowly on the road.
  • He turned onto a dirt road that led to the farm.
  • We drove down a winding road through the mountains.
Context #2 | Noun

development

A course or direction taken or followed

Synonyms

journey, path, way.

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Word Description / Examples
road

Refers to a physical route or street for vehicles to travel on.

  • The road is under construction.
  • We drove down a long, winding road.
path

Often refers to a narrow track or trail for walking, or metaphorically, a chosen direction or plan in life.

  • We followed the path through the forest.
  • He chose a difficult path in his career.
journey

Describes the act of traveling from one place to another, often over a long distance or a significant period of time.

  • Their journey across the country took weeks.
  • She embarked on a journey to find herself.
way

Can mean a method or manner of doing something, or a direction or route to a place.

  • There are many ways to solve this problem.
  • She asked for directions and found her way to the museum.

Examples of usage

  • The company is on the road to success.
  • She decided to take the road less traveled.
Context #3 | Verb

action

To travel or transport by road

Synonyms

drive, journey, travel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
road

A 'road' is a long, hard surface made for vehicles to drive on. It’s used when talking about the physical structure itself, like streets or highways.

  • The road was blocked due to an accident.
  • We took a scenic route along the coastal road.
travel

The term 'travel' is broader and refers to the general act of moving from one place to another. It can include different modes of transportation and longer periods of time.

  • She loves to travel to different countries.
  • Business travel can be exhausting.
journey

A 'journey' is used to describe traveling from one place to another, often implying a longer distance or a significant amount of time.

  • They embarked on a journey across the country.
  • The journey to the mountain took several days.
drive

A 'drive' refers to the act of operating a vehicle. It can also mean a short trip in a car, typically for leisure or commuting.

  • I will drive to the grocery store.
  • Let's go for a drive in the countryside.

Examples of usage

  • We road-tripped across the country.
  • They road the bus to school every day.

Translations

Translations of the word "road" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estrada

🇮🇳 सड़क

🇩🇪 Straße

🇮🇩 jalan

🇺🇦 дорога

🇵🇱 droga

🇯🇵 道路 (どうろ)

🇫🇷 route

🇪🇸 carretera

🇹🇷 yol

🇰🇷 도로 (doro)

🇸🇦 طريق

🇨🇿 silnice

🇸🇰 cesta

🇨🇳 道路 (dàolù)

🇸🇮 cesta

🇮🇸 vegur

🇰🇿 жол

🇬🇪 გზა (gza)

🇦🇿 yol

🇲🇽 carretera

Etymology

The word 'road' originated from the Old English word 'rad', which meant a riding or a journey on horseback. Over time, the meaning expanded to include a way for vehicles and pedestrians. Roads have been essential for human civilization, enabling trade, travel, and communication. The development of road networks has played a crucial role in the growth of societies and economies.

See also: roadblock, roadster.

Word Frequency Rank

At #641 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.