Traverse: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.