Underpass Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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underpass
[หสndษหpรฆs ]
Definitions
road construction
An underpass is a road or path that goes under another road or path.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| underpass |
Used to describe a road or path that goes under another road or railway. Commonly used in traffic and urban planning contexts.
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| tunnel |
Used to describe a long underground passage, typically for vehicles, trains, or water. It can also be natural or man-made.
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| subway |
Primarily used in American English to describe an underground train system. Can also refer to a pedestrian tunnel in British English. Most commonly associated with public transportation.
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| passage |
A general term to describe a corridor or pathway, can be used in buildings, caves, or general passages through an area. It is broader than 'underpass'.
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Examples of usage
- We had to take the underpass to avoid the traffic on the main road.
- The underpass was flooded after heavy rain.
urban planning
An underpass is a pedestrian or vehicular passage that separates traffic flows at different levels.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| underpass |
Used when describing a passage that goes under an obstruction such as a road or railway.
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| flyover |
Commonly used in British English to describe an elevated road or railway that passes over another road or railway.
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| overpass |
Typically used in American English for a bridge or road passing above another road, railway, or similar obstacle.
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| bridge |
Typically used for a structure that spans across a river, valley, road, or other obstacle, allowing people or vehicles to cross.
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Examples of usage
- The city council decided to build an underpass to improve traffic flow.
- The underpass connects the two sides of the highway.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Urban Planning
- Underpasses are essential for separating different modes of transportation, improving traffic flow and safety.
- Many cities use underpasses to optimize land use, allowing parks or buildings to exist above busy roads.
- They often incorporate pedestrian walkways to promote safe walking routes in urban areas.
Cultural Significance
- In literature and film, underpasses can symbolize transition or passage into a different phase of life.
- Street art and graffiti frequently adorns underpasses, turning these spaces into canvases for creative expression.
- Underpasses are sometimes depicted in dystopian narratives, highlighting themes of isolation and urban decay.
Safety Measures
- Lighting and surveillance cameras are commonly installed in underpasses to enhance safety for users.
- Designing underpasses with visibility and accessibility in mind can reduce crime and increase user comfort.
- Emergency phones are often placed within underpasses for added security for pedestrians and cyclists.
Engineering
- Underpasses must be carefully engineered to handle water drainage, preventing flooding during heavy rain.
- The construction of an underpass often involves significant excavation and soil stabilization techniques.
- Innovative materials and designs are being developed to enhance the durability and aesthetic appeal of underpasses.
Origin of 'underpass'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'underpass' is a combination of 'under', meaning beneath something, and 'pass', which refers to a way to go through.
- First used in the early 20th century, the term reflects the rise of urban development and transportation systems.
- Related terms include 'overpass', which describes a structure that allows traffic to cross over another route.
The term 'underpass' originated in the early 20th century, combining 'under' and 'pass'. Underpasses have been used to improve traffic flow and provide safe passage for pedestrians in urban areas. They are a common feature of modern road and transportation systems.
See also: bypass, impassable, impasse, overpass, passable, passably, passage, passcode, passรฉ, passenger, passer, passing, passingly, passion, passionately, passive, passkey, unpassability, unpassable.