English Reference
Noun

detour

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US /ˈditʊɹ/ UK /dˈiːtɔː/ de·tour UK spelling detoured, detours

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.

Usage

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


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

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated