route
A specific way or course taken to get from a starting point to a destination. It can refer to physical paths like roads and bus lines, or metaphorical paths taken to achieve a specific goal.
Examples
3 of 5I usually take the scenic route home to avoid the heavy traffic on the highway.
I normally drive home using the more beautiful road so I do not get stuck in traffic.
The expedition followed a precise route through the mountain range as charted by the local guides.
The group of travelers moved along a specific path in the mountains that the guides had mapped out.
What's the best route to get to your place? My GPS is acting up.
Which way is the best to reach your house because my navigation system is not working correctly?
Word Family
Memory Tip
A 'route' is the 'road' you 'take'. Both 'route' and 'road' start with 'R' and involve moving from A to B.
Quick Quiz
The GPS suggested a faster _____ to avoid the construction work on the main road.
Correct!
The correct answer is: route
Examples
I usually take the scenic route home to avoid the heavy traffic on the highway.
everydayI normally drive home using the more beautiful road so I do not get stuck in traffic.
The expedition followed a precise route through the mountain range as charted by the local guides.
formalThe group of travelers moved along a specific path in the mountains that the guides had mapped out.
What's the best route to get to your place? My GPS is acting up.
informalWhich way is the best to reach your house because my navigation system is not working correctly?
Researchers investigated the neural route through which sensory information reaches the brain.
academicScientists studied the biological path that signals take to move from the senses to the brain.
The company is exploring a more direct distribution route to reduce shipping costs for international clients.
businessThe business is looking for a straighter path for delivering goods to save money on shipping for global customers.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
en route
On the way; in the middle of a journey.
paper route
A job of delivering newspapers to a specific set of houses.
take the long route
To choose a path that takes more time than necessary.
Often Confused With
A 'root' is the part of a plant under the ground or the origin of something; a 'route' is a path for travel.
A 'routine' is a sequence of actions regularly followed, while a 'route' is a physical or metaphorical path.
Usage Notes
The word can be pronounced as 'root' (common in the UK and US) or 'rowt' (rhyming with 'out', common in the US, especially for specific uses like 'delivery route').
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse the spelling with 'root'. Additionally, they may use 'way' in every situation, failing to use 'route' when describing a planned or official path.
Memory Tip
A 'route' is the 'road' you 'take'. Both 'route' and 'road' start with 'R' and involve moving from A to B.
Word Origin
From the Old French 'rute', meaning 'way' or 'path', which comes from the Latin 'rupta', meaning a 'broken' way (a road forced through the terrain).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In American culture, 'Route 66' is a famous historical highway symbolizing freedom and the era of cross-country road trips.
Quick Quiz
The GPS suggested a faster _____ to avoid the construction work on the main road.
Correct!
The correct answer is: route
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
ready
A2To be fully prepared for an action or an event. It describes a state where everything is set so that something can happen immediately without delay.
simple
A2Something that is easy to understand, do, or use because it is not complicated. It can also describe something that is plain and basic in style, without extra decoration.
physical
A2Relating to the body rather than the mind or feelings. It also describes things that exist in the real world and can be seen or touched.
general
A2Describing something that affects most people or things rather than being specific to one. It is also used to describe a broad understanding of a topic without focusing on small details.
environmental
A2Relating to the natural world of land, sea, air, plants, and animals. It is often used to describe things that involve protecting nature from damage caused by humans.
medical
A2Relating to the science of medicine and the treatment of injuries or diseases. It is used to describe things connected to doctors, nurses, and the healthcare system.
traditional
A2Following or belonging to the customs and beliefs that have been part of a group of people or a society for a long time. It describes practices that are done in the same way they have been done in the past rather than using new or modern methods.
private
A2Describes something that belongs to a specific person or group and is not for public use. It also refers to a place or conversation where others are not allowed to listen or watch.
difficult
A2Something that is hard to do, understand, or deal with because it requires a lot of effort or skill. It can also describe a person who is not easy to please or work with.
religious
A2Describes someone who has a strong belief in a god or a group of gods and follows the practices of a religion. It can also refer to things that are connected with or related to a particular religion.
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