English Reference

Word

detour

Phoneticsde·tour, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈditʊɹ/

UK/dˈiːtɔː/

Countable noun

Definition

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.

Examples

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

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

“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.”

Examples

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'.

Etymology

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

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

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference