Highway

Definition

Highway is a main road, especially one connecting major towns or cities.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhaɪˌweɪ/
• Respelling: HYE-way (with "HYE" as in "high" and "way" as in "way")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhaɪˌweɪ/
• Respelling: HYE-way (with "HYE" as in "high" and "way" as in "way")

In both dialects, "highway" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "HYE." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "HYE-way."

Etymology

The term "highway" is derived from Old English, where "high" refers to "of great height or altitude", and "way" which comes from Old English "weg", meaning "road or path". Historically, highways were raised thoroughfares, elevated above the surrounding land, hence the name.

Derivatives

• Highwayman (noun)
• Highway robbery (noun)
• Highway patrol (noun)
• Highways (noun, plural)
• Highway system (noun)

Synonyms

• Freeway
• Motorway
• Expressway

Antonyms

• Byway
• Alley
• Path

Usage

The term "highway" is commonly used in transportation and urban planning to refer to major roads designed for long-distance travel and high-speed traffic. Highways are integral to national and regional transportation networks.

Related Terms

• Road
• Thoroughfare
• Turnpike
• Interstate
• Bypass

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Main Road for Fast Traffic: A major road, typically with multiple lanes and limited access points, designed for the efficient movement of vehicles over long distances.
  • Example: The new highway reduced travel time between the cities by half.

• Route Connecting Major Locations: A road that connects important towns or cities.
  • Example: The highway connects the capital with the coastal region.

• Legally Defined Public Road: Any road or way on which the public has a right to travel.
  • Example: The highway is maintained by the state government.

Note: "Highway" is a term primarily used in North America, while other terms like "motorway" or "expressway" might be more common in other parts of the world. Highways have played a crucial role in shaping modern transportation systems and facilitating swift movement of goods and people.