route
ROOT
/ruːt/
A way or course taken in getting from a starting point to a destination.
Focuses on the designated physical path taken by a transit vehicle or traveler.
The story behind the word. Originates from Latin 'via rupta', meaning 'a broken or cleared path through woods or obstacles'. Passed into Old French as 'route' before entering Middle English.
Word relationships
- path: 'Path' is broader and can refer to footpaths, while 'route' frequently implies established transport lines.
Commonly confused with
- root: 'Root' is the plant part or core source; 'route' is a transit path.
Word family
- reroute (verb): To send or direct along a different path.
Collocations
- bus route
- scenic route
- direct route
- shortest route
Example sentences
- "Bus route 42 was adjusted to cover the new residential area on the west side." Bus path planning
- "Taking the highway is usually the fastest route during peak traffic hours." Commute planning
Memory hook
A ROUTE is the ROAD you ROUTinely follow. The designated path from start to stop.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'root' (underground part of a plant), though pronounced identically in standard British English and many American dialects.
Fun facts
- US Route 66 is one of the most famous highway routes in world history.
Also appears in
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