Route: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Old French 'route', meaning 'a path' or 'way', which reflects its use in travel.
• In English, 'route' was first recorded in the 14th century, showing how long we've been using it to talk about paths.

Geography

• 'Route 66', established in 1926, is one of the most famous highways in the U.S., often celebrated in music and culture.
• In geographic terms, a route can refer to both land paths and sea passages, such as trade routes that connect countries.

Technology

• In computer networking, a route is a path that data takes to travel across the internet, similar to how cars navigate roads.
• GPS technology uses algorithms to find the best route for travel, considering traffic, distance, and time.

Language

• In British English, 'route' can be pronounced as 'root', while in American English, it's typically pronounced with a 'rout' rhyme.
• The versatility of the word means it can be used in phrases like 'take a different route', highlighting adaptability in travel and life.

Culture

• The concept of a route is central in storytelling, often symbolizing a character's journey or path in life, like the hero's journey.
• Various cultures have celebrated routes in their narratives, like the Silk Road in Asia, crucial for trade and cultural exchange.

At position #2,131, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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