Reading Theme:
Bypass Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：ring road (bypass)
bypass
/ˈbaɪ.pæs/
n.
A road built to go around a town or city, so that traffic doesn't have to go through the busy centre.
ring road
➕
/rɪŋ roʊd/
n.
A main road constructed to route traffic around a congested town or city centre rather than through it.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From 'by' (near, aside) + 'pass' (to go). Literally 'to go by or around'.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a BIKE PASSING by a bus stuck in traffic. BY-PASS.
📖 Example
To avoid the city centre traffic jam, we decided to take the bypass instead.
To avoid the city centre traffic jam, we decided to take the bypass instead.
🔗 Collocations
take the bypass – to use the bypass road
build a bypass – to construct a road that goes around an area
the new bypass – a recently constructed ring road
🔄 Synonyms
ring road (n.) – A road that circles a town or city.
beltway (n.) – A high-speed road encircling an urban area (common in US English).
circumferential highway (n.) – A technical term for a road that goes around a specific area.
🌱 Derivatives
bypassing (n.) – the act of going around something
📖 Cultural Story
The noun 'bypass' emerged in the early 20th century, originally describing roads built to circumvent congested urban centers. This concept of creating an alternative route later extended metaphorically into business, computing, and medicine (e.g., heart bypass surgery), reflecting a cultural emphasis on efficiency and problem-solving through strategic avoidance.
Meaning 2：to circumvent (bypass)
bypass
/ˈbaɪ.pæs/
n.
To avoid something by going around it, or to avoid following the usual rules or steps.
to circumvent
➕
/tuː ˈsɜːrkəmvent/
n.
To avoid or go around something, especially rules, procedures, or obstacles, often to achieve a goal more directly or quickly.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
If you need a quick decision, you can sometimes bypass your manager and speak directly to the department head.
If you need a quick decision, you can sometimes bypass your manager and speak directly to the department head.
🔗 Collocations
bypass the system – to avoid using the official procedure
bypass a step – to skip a stage in a process
bypass regulations – to find a way to avoid complying with rules
🔄 Synonyms
circumvent (v.) – To find a way around a difficulty or rule.
sidestep (v.) – To avoid dealing with something directly.
avoid (v.) – To keep away from or stop oneself from doing something.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
bypassable (adj.) – capable of being bypassed
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