Detour
/ˈdiːtʊər/
Definitions
2 meaningsA route or journey that is different from the usual or intended one.
/ˈdiːtʊər/
A deviation from a direct route or the act of taking a detour.
We had to take a detour due to a road closure.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're driving to a friend's house, but a road is closed. You have to go a different way that's longer. That longer way is a detour!
👶 For kids: A different way to go somewhere than the regular way.
More Examples
The detour added an extra hour to our trip.
The city implemented a detour during the marathon.
How It's Used
"The construction work caused a detour on the highway."
"The company took a detour from its original plan."
To go or make someone or something go by a roundabout route rather than a more direct one.
/diːˈtʊər/
To deviate from a route or course.
We detoured around the accident on the highway.
💡 Simply: When you have to go a different way because something is in the way, like a closed road or construction, you detour! You're actively choosing a route other than the fastest one.
👶 For kids: To go a different way than you planned to go.
More Examples
The hikers had to detour to avoid the fallen trees.
The river forced the explorers to detour their route.
How It's Used
"The driver decided to detour around the traffic jam."
"The company will have to detour from their original plans."
Idioms & expressions
take a detour
To use an alternative route or plan; to deviate from a planned path.
"We had to take a detour around the closed bridge."
From French *détour* ('a deviation, turning aside'), from *dé-* (a prefix indicating 'away') + *tour* ('a turn').
The word 'detour' has been used since the early 19th century, initially focusing on travel and military contexts. Its figurative usage has developed over time.