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Thoroughfare: meaning, definitions and examples

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thoroughfare

 

[ˈθʌrΙ™ΛŒfeΙ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

busy street

A thoroughfare is a busy street or road that leads from one place to another, often in a city or town. It is a main route for traffic, pedestrians, and vehicles.

Synonyms

avenue, boulevard, road, street.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
thoroughfare

Used to describe a main road or public highway that carries a lot of traffic. It implies a busy and important route.

  • The construction on the main thoroughfare caused major traffic delays.
  • New businesses are thriving on the town's primary thoroughfare.
street

Common term for a road in a city or town. It is the most general and widely used among the terms, often associated with residential or business areas.

  • She lives on Maple Street, just around the corner.
  • The kids were playing ball in the street.
road

General term for any pathway for vehicles. It can be used in rural or urban settings and doesn't carry any specific connotation about size or importance.

  • We drove down the country road under a canopy of trees.
  • This road leads directly to the old mill.
avenue

A wide street in a city or town, typically lined with trees. Often used in names of streets and suggests a more urban setting.

  • We took a leisurely stroll down the avenue, admiring the old buildings.
  • Fifth Avenue in New York is famous for its high-end stores.
boulevard

A wide, usually tree-lined street in a city. Suggests a grand and often scenic roadway. Used frequently in names of streets to give a prestigious or elegant impression.

  • The boulevard was bustling with tourists and locals enjoying the nice weather.
  • They live in a beautiful apartment on Sunset Boulevard.

Examples of usage

  • The main thoroughfare through the city was lined with shops and cafes.
  • The accident caused a traffic jam on the busy thoroughfare.
Context #2 | Noun

passageway

In architecture, a thoroughfare refers to a passage or corridor that allows movement from one area to another. It can be indoors or outdoors and is designed for easy access.

Synonyms

aisle, corridor, passage, walkway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
thoroughfare

Used to describe a main road or public street that is significant for traffic or commerce.

  • The city's main thoroughfare was crowded with shoppers and tourists
passage

Refers to a narrow way of travel between two places, which can be inside a building or outdoors. Slightly more formal and versatile than 'hallway' or 'corridor'.

  • The secret passage led them to a hidden room in the castle
corridor

Commonly used in buildings such as schools, hospitals, or offices to describe a long passage with doors leading to rooms on either side.

  • The students rushed through the corridor when the bell rang
walkway

Usually describes a path or a route for walking, not specifically designed for vehicles, often found in parks, campuses, or between buildings.

  • The new walkway connects the library to the main plaza
aisle

Typically found in settings like supermarkets, theaters, airplanes, or churches, an aisle refers to a narrow passage between rows of seats or shelves.

  • Could you please move your bag to clear the aisle?

Examples of usage

  • The hotel lobby had a spacious thoroughfare leading to the conference rooms.
  • The park had several beautiful thoroughfares for visitors to explore.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Middle English, where 'thorough' means 'through' and 'fare' refers to traveling.
  • It was first recorded in the 14th century, indicating the importance of roads for trade and travel during that time.
  • In some older texts, it was spelled as 'thorowfare,' reflecting the phonetic pronunciation of that age.

Urban Planning

  • Thoroughfares are crucial for city design, as they help to manage traffic flow and ensure accessibility.
  • Cities often prioritize thoroughfares to connect neighborhoods and facilitate commerce and social interaction.
  • In many urban areas, thoroughfares may have bike lanes and sidewalks to encourage safe travel for all kinds of commuters.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, historical thoroughfares were essential for trade routes, such as the Silk Road which connected East and West.
  • Famous thoroughfares, like the Champs-Γ‰lysΓ©es in Paris, are not just for transport but for cultural and social events.
  • Some cities celebrate their thoroughfares with festivals, highlighting their role as community hubs.

Literature

  • Thoroughfares often appear in literature as symbols of journeys, both physical and metaphorical, representing passage through life.
  • Authors may depict thoroughfares to connect characters or illustrate paths of destiny and choice.
  • The imagery of roads and pathways is a common theme, representing movement toward new beginnings or adventures.

Science

  • Traffic studies often examine thoroughfares to understand vehicle flow, accidents, and road usage patterns.
  • Urban scientists assess the impact of thoroughfares on local ecosystems, including noise pollution and air quality.
  • Advanced technology like smart traffic systems is developed to enhance the efficiency of thoroughfares globally.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,230, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.