Reading Theme:
Detour: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：alternative route (detour)
detour
/ˈdiː.tʊər/
n.
a longer way you have to take because the usual road is blocked or closed.
alternative route
➕
/ɔːlˈtɜːrnətɪv ruːt/
n.
A longer, less direct path taken to avoid an obstacle or closure on the main route.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From French 'détourner' ('de-' (away) + 'tourner' (to turn)). 'Tourner' comes from Latin 'tornus' (lathe, turn).
💡 Mnemonic
DETOUR: Don't Expect The Original Usual Route. It's a turn (TOUR) away (DE-) from the direct way.
📖 Example
Due to road construction, we had to take a detour through several small villages, which added an extra hour to our trip.
Due to road construction, we had to take an alternative route through several small villages, which added an extra hour to our trip.
🔗 Collocations
take a detour – to choose or be forced to use an alternative route
forced detour – an alternative route that is required, not optional
follow the detour – to proceed along the marked alternative route
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
direct route (n.) – the straightest and shortest path to a destination
straight path (n.) – a course without turns or deviations
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'detour' comes from the French 'détourner', meaning 'to turn away'. It entered English in the 18th century, initially describing a physical turning aside from a path, often for military or strategic reasons to avoid obstacles. It's now a standard term in travel, logistics, and even metaphorical discourse.
Meaning 2：evasive digression (detour)
detour
/ˈdiː.tʊər/
n.
to avoid talking about the main point directly, or to do something in a slow, indirect way.
evasive digression
➕
/ɪˈveɪsɪv daɪˈɡreʃən/
n.
To avoid addressing a topic directly by speaking about unrelated matters in a lengthy, indirect manner.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Instead of giving a straight answer, he went on a long detour about his childhood before finally getting to the point.
Instead of giving a straight answer, he went on a long, evasive digression about his childhood before finally getting to the point.
🔗 Collocations
go on a detour – to start talking about unrelated topics, avoiding the main subject
verbal detour – a spoken diversion from the main topic of conversation
avoid with a detour – to dodge a question or issue by introducing tangential discussion
🔄 Synonyms
digression (n.) – a temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing
tangent (n.) – a completely different line of thought or action
circumlocution (n.) – the use of many words where fewer would do, especially in a deliberate attempt to be vague or evasive
🚫 Antonyms
direct answer (n.) – a straightforward and immediate response to a question
straightforward response (n.) – a clear and direct reply without evasion
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser