highway
- 01 B1 Intermediate
a main public road, often with several lanes, used for traveling long distances at high speeds.
a principal public thoroughfare, especially one designed for high-speed, multi-lane traffic between cities.
Simple“We took the highway to get to the city faster than the local roads allowed.”
In context“The state government allocated significant funding to expand the highway, aiming to reduce the chronic congestion experienced by daily commuters.”
UsageIn North America, 'highway' is the general term for major roads; in British English, 'motorway' or 'A-road' is more common.
Teacher's tipWhile 'highway' is understood globally, it is the standard term in American English. In British English, it is often used in a formal or legal context rather than everyday conversation.
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
any public road that people have a right to use.
any public way or road which the public has a right to use for passage. Often used in a legal context to include pavements and footpaths.
Simple“The law says that no one can block a public highway.”
In context“The defendant was charged with obstructing the highway after placing a permanent structure on the communal footpath.”
UsageIn legal English, 'highway' is a broad term that can include any path the public is entitled to use.
Synonymsthoroughfareright of wayAntonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
a direct way or path to a specific result or destiny.
a metaphorical path or direct route leading to a particular state or outcome.
Simple“Hard work and good luck were his highway to success.”
In context“The diplomat warned that the current trade tensions could become a highway to a much larger international conflict.”
“On Friday, the speed limit on the entire length of the highway increased from 100 km/h to 110 km/h, north to Lake Joseph Rd.”
“The crash happened early on Wednesday local time on the BR-373 highway in the southern state of Paraná.”
From Middle English heiȝwai, heiȝwei, from Old English hēahweġ (“main road, highway”), corresponding to high + way. Compare highgate, high street, high road. Cognate with Scots heaway, heway, hieway, hichway, heichway (“highway”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.