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Underpass: meaning, definitions and examples

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underpass

 

[ˈʌndəˌpæs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

road construction

An underpass is a road or path that goes under another road or path.

Synonyms

passage, subway, tunnel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • The new underpass will help reduce traffic congestion.
  • Pedestrians are advised to use the underpass to cross the busy street.
tunnel

Used to describe a long underground passage, typically for vehicles, trains, or water. It can also be natural or man-made.

  • The train went through a long tunnel under the mountain.
  • The tunnel construction project is expected to be completed next year.
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.

  • We took the subway to get downtown quickly.
  • In London, you can use the subway to cross under busy roads.
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'.

  • The passage between the buildings was dimly lit.
  • They found a hidden passage in the old mansion.

Examples of usage

  • We had to take the underpass to avoid the traffic on the main road.
  • The underpass was flooded after heavy rain.
Context #2 | Noun

urban planning

An underpass is a pedestrian or vehicular passage that separates traffic flows at different levels.

Synonyms

bridge, flyover, overpass.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
underpass

Used when describing a passage that goes under an obstruction such as a road or railway.

  • He took the underpass to avoid crossing the busy street
  • The underpass was well-lit and safe
flyover

Commonly used in British English to describe an elevated road or railway that passes over another road or railway.

  • There was heavy traffic on the flyover this morning
  • They are constructing a new flyover to reduce congestion
overpass

Typically used in American English for a bridge or road passing above another road, railway, or similar obstacle.

  • They took the overpass to get to the other side of the highway
  • The overpass was closed for repairs
bridge

Typically used for a structure that spans across a river, valley, road, or other obstacle, allowing people or vehicles to cross.

  • We walked across the old stone bridge
  • The bridge connects the two parts of the city

Examples of usage

  • The city council decided to build an underpass to improve traffic flow.
  • The underpass connects the two sides of the highway.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "underpass" in other languages:

🇵🇹 passagem subterrânea

🇮🇳 अंडरपास

🇩🇪 Unterführung

🇮🇩 terowongan bawah tanah

🇺🇦 підземний перехід

🇵🇱 przejście podziemne

🇯🇵 地下道 (ちかどう)

🇫🇷 passage souterrain

🇪🇸 paso subterráneo

🇹🇷 alt geçit

🇰🇷 지하도 (地下道)

🇸🇦 نفق تحت الأرض

🇨🇿 podchod

🇸🇰 podchod

🇨🇳 地下通道 (dìxià tōngdào)

🇸🇮 podhod

🇮🇸 undirgöng

🇰🇿 жерасты өткелі

🇬🇪 მიწისქვეშა გადასასვლელი

🇦🇿 yeraltı keçidi

🇲🇽 paso subterráneo

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,331 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.