Tolled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tolled

[toÊŠld ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

traffic charges

To toll means to charge a fee for the use of a road, bridge, or similar infrastructure. This practice is common in many parts of the world, as governments or private companies collect tolls to help maintain transportation networks. Tolls can be collected manually or electronically, with systems such as toll booths or electronic toll collection devices. The amount charged may vary depending on the type of vehicle or the time of day.

Synonyms

charge, fee, levy.

Examples of usage

  • I had to pay a toll to cross the bridge.
  • Toll roads can speed up your journey.
  • Many drivers avoid tolls by taking alternate routes.
Context #2 | Noun

bell ringing

Toll can also refer to the sound made by a bell, especially when marking a time or an event, such as a funeral or a memorial. The tolling of a bell signifies something significant and is often used in ceremonies. The act of tolling can be rhythmic and solemn, filling the air with a deep, resonant sound that evokes reflection.

Synonyms

chiming, pealing, ringing.

Examples of usage

  • The church bell tolled during the service.
  • We heard the toll of the bell in the distance.
  • The tolling marked the passing of an important figure.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Economics

  • Toll roads can help fund infrastructure, allowing cities and states to maintain and improve their transportation systems.
  • The model of tolling can vary, including flat rates, distance-based fees, or dynamic pricing, which changes based on traffic.
  • Tolls can serve to manage congestion by discouraging unnecessary trips during peak hours.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many countries, tolls are an accepted part of road travel, while others rely on taxation for road maintenance instead.
  • Certain toll roads have sparked debates over fairness, especially for lower-income travelers who may rely on them more than wealthier individuals.
  • Cultural attitudes towards tolls can vary significantly, with some regions viewing them as necessary and others as an unwanted burden.

Legal Aspects

  • In many jurisdictions, legal frameworks dictate how tolls must be collected and used, safeguarding public interests.
  • Toll collection processes must comply with not only local laws but also with traffic management regulations for safety.
  • Disputes over toll rates often lead to legal challenges, signifying the importance of transparency in government actions.

Technology

  • Advancements in technology have led to electronic toll collection systems that minimize the need for cash transactions.
  • Innovations like RFID tags enable drivers to pass through tolls without stopping, improving traffic flow.
  • Smartphone apps now help drivers navigate toll roads and estimate costs, integrating technology with everyday travel.

Origin of 'tolled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'toll' comes from the Old English 'toll', meaning 'to pay' or 'to charge'.
  • In medieval times, the term referred specifically to dues paid for using bridges or specific roads.
  • The practice of collecting tolls dates back to ancient civilizations, like the Romans, who charged fees for road usage.

The term 'toll' derives from the Old English word 'talu', which means a payment or tribute. Over time, it became associated specifically with the charges levied for the use of roads and bridges. The concept of toll roads dates back to ancient civilizations, where travelers would pay fees to use certain routes. The development of toll systems has evolved with technology, from manual collections to the modern electronic toll systems we see today. In addition to its traffic-related meaning, 'toll' has maintained its connection to the sound of bells, reflecting its historical roots in ceremonies and significant events. Thus, toll has both a financial and a ceremonial significance in the language.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,162, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.