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Traverse Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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traverse

[ˈtrævərs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

programming

To iterate over a collection of items, performing a similar operation on each.

Synonyms

explore, iterate, navigate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
traverse

Used mainly when talking about moving across or through something, especially in physical or technical contexts.

  • The hikers had to traverse the mountain to reach the village on the other side.
  • The robot was designed to traverse complex terrains effortlessly.
iterate

Mostly used in technical contexts, particularly in programming and mathematics, when repeating a process or set of instructions.

  • The algorithm will iterate through the list until it finds the target value.
  • We need to iterate this design process several times to perfect the product.
explore

Commonly used when discovering new places or investigating something in depth, often with a spirit of curiosity.

  • The scientists decided to explore the depths of the ocean to find new species.
  • She loved to explore different cultures by traveling around the world.
navigate

Typically used when finding a way to move through a physical or virtual space, or managing or dealing with complex situations.

  • He had to navigate through the crowded streets to reach his destination on time.
  • She learned how to navigate complex corporate environments to advance her career.

Examples of usage

  • Let's traverse the array and print out each element.
  • The function will traverse the linked list and delete the specified node.
  • We need to traverse the tree to find the desired node.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To travel or move across or through a place.

Synonyms

cross, navigate, tramp.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
traverse

Used in somewhat formal or technical situations to describe the action of moving or traveling across a large area or difficult terrain.

  • We had to traverse the dense forest to reach the village.
  • The spaceship will traverse the galaxy to explore new worlds.
cross

Commonly used in everyday situations to indicate moving from one side of something to another, such as a street, river, or barrier.

  • Be careful when you cross the street.
  • We need to cross the river to get to the other side.
navigate

Often used in contexts involving finding a way through a complex area, such as roads, maps, or software; also used metaphorically to describe managing a complex situation.

  • He navigated through the crowded streets using his GPS.
  • She had to navigate a lot of bureaucratic red tape to start her business.
tramp

Used to describe walking heavily or trekking, often for a long distance; can have a connotation of weariness or vagabondage.

  • They tramped through the mud all day.
  • The old man tramped across the country with no particular destination.

Examples of usage

  • We will traverse the mountain range on our hiking trip.
  • The hikers traversed the desert to reach the oasis.
  • The river traverses through the canyon.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, traverse can describe the path an object takes while moving from one point to another.
  • In geology, it refers to the movement across various terrains, helping in the study of landscapes and their formations.
  • In computer science, 'traversing' data structures is key to searching, where one visits each element systematically.

Literature

  • Many literary works talk about characters who traverse vast landscapes, symbolizing personal journeys and growth.
  • Classic tales often feature heroes that traverse treacherous paths, depicting the struggle between good and evil.
  • In poetry, the act of traversing can symbolize the passage of time or emotional experiences.

Navigation

  • Traverse can refer to the act of navigating or charting a course across oceans, which has been crucial for explorers and sailors.
  • In hiking and mountain climbing, traversing is essential for safely moving across steep slopes and challenging terrains.
  • The concept of traverse plays an important role in orienteering, a sport involving navigation using maps and compasses.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, traversing landscapes often reflects the human connection to nature and the importance of migration.
  • Stories about traversing can represent the journey of life, such as paths taken by ancestors and their impact on identity.
  • Cultural traditions may involve rituals that celebrate the act of traversing, highlighting community and connection to land.

Origin of 'traverse'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle French 'traverser,' meaning to cross over, which in turn stems from the Latin 'transversare.'
  • Its roots relate to the Latin word 'trans,' meaning across, and 'versus,' which relates to turning.
  • The evolution of the term reflects the human experience of crossing boundaries and exploring new spaces.

The word 'traverse' originated from the Middle English word 'traversen', which came from the Old French word 'traverser', meaning 'to cross'. The term has been used in various contexts over the centuries, evolving to represent the act of crossing or moving through different spaces.

See also: traversable, untraversable.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,097, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.