ENGLISH
REFERENCE

detour

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈditʊɹ// UK //dˈiːtɔː// de·tour

n. a different route you take to avoid a problem like road repairs or heavy traffic. It is usually longer than your normal path.

n. a roundabout way or circuitous route taken to avoid an obstruction or to visit a place off the direct path.


SIMPLE

We had to take a detour because of the road construction.

CONTEXTUAL

The main highway was closed after the accident, forcing all commuters to follow a long detour through the countryside.

COMPLEX

While the primary objective was to reach the summit before dusk, the group decided on a brief detour to admire the hidden waterfall tucked away in the valley.

Origin

Borrowed from French détour, from détourner (“turn away”).

Usage

Often used with the verbs 'take' or 'make'.

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