Path
/pɑːθ/
Definitions
3 meaningsA route or track for traveling, especially on foot.
/pɑːθ/
A way or track laid down for walking or cycling.
We followed the path through the woods.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're on a trail in the woods—that's a path! It's the route you take to get somewhere.
👶 For kids: A path is a way you can walk or ride to get from one place to another.
More Examples
The path led us to a beautiful lake.
The children made a path in the snow.
How It's Used
"The hikers followed a well-worn path through the forest."
"The train runs along the path of the old railway line."
A course of action, conduct, or way of life.
/pɑːθ/
A course of action or conduct.
He decided to follow the path of a doctor.
💡 Simply: Think of the choices you make in life. That series of choices, that's your path!
👶 For kids: A path can also be the way you choose to do something, like being kind.
More Examples
Her path was always guided by her strong principles.
They embarked on a new path of innovation.
How It's Used
"She chose a new career path after much consideration."
"His actions deviated from the path of honesty."
The line or course along which something moves or travels.
/pɑːθ/
A line or channel along which something moves.
The comet's path was visible in the night sky.
💡 Simply: Like a rocket in the sky, its journey is a path; the route it takes.
👶 For kids: A path can also be the way things move, like when a ball is thrown in the air.
More Examples
The electrons followed a specific path within the circuit.
The stream carved a natural path through the valley.
How It's Used
"The ball followed a parabolic path through the air."
"The data packets took a different path to reach the destination."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
cross paths
To meet someone unexpectedly.
"We crossed paths with our old teacher at the mall."
down the path
Refers to a point in the future or during a process.
"Down the path, we may need additional resources."
the path of least resistance
The easiest way to do something, even if it's not the best.
"He always chooses the path of least resistance, even if it means taking shortcuts."
From Old English *pæth* (masculine), from Proto-Germanic *paþą* (masculine). Related to Dutch *pad*, German *Pfad*, and Latin *pontis* (bridge).
The word 'path' has been used in English since the Old English period, with little change in its core meaning.
Memory tip
Picture yourself walking on a cleared track; that is a path.