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Highway Definition, Examples & Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：main road (highway)
highway
/ˈhaɪweɪ/
n.
A main road, especially one that connects cities or towns, for fast travel by vehicles.
main road
➕
/meɪn roʊd/
n.
A major public road, often multi-lane, designed for high-speed travel between cities or regions.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Derived from 'high' (main) + 'way' (road), originally meaning a main public road.
💡 Mnemonic
Picture a 'high' road raised above others—cars zooming 'way' fast toward distant cities.
📖 Example
After driving for hours on the highway, we finally saw the welcoming lights of the city.
After driving for hours on the highway, we finally saw the welcoming lights of the city.
🔗 Collocations
interstate highway – A highway that is part of the US Interstate system
highway patrol – Police officers who enforce traffic laws on highways
highway exit – A ramp allowing vehicles to leave a highway
🔄 Synonyms
freeway (n.) – A wide, multi-lane road with no traffic lights, designed for fast travel
expressway (n.) – A major road with limited access, often tolled
motorway (n.) – British term for a dual-carriageway road for high-speed traffic
🚫 Antonyms
local road (n.) – A small road serving local traffic with lower speed limits
alley (n.) – A narrow street behind buildings, not for through traffic
side street (n.) – A minor street branching off a main road
🌱 Derivatives
highwayman (n.) – A robber who stole from travelers on highways (historical)
highway code (n.) – A set of rules for road users in some countries
📖 Cultural Story
In ancient England, 'highway' referred to any public road maintained by the king. Today, it specifically denotes major intercity roads with controlled access, vital for modern transportation.
Meaning 2：fast track (highway)
highway
/ˈhaɪweɪ/
n.
A direct or fast way to achieve something.
fast track
➕
/fæst træk/
n.
A metaphorical direct or quick way to achieve a goal, often through effort or specific actions.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Hard work is often the highway to success in any field.
Hard work is often the highway to success in any field.
🔗 Collocations
highway to success – A direct path to achieving success
highway to wealth – A quick way to become rich
highway to ruin – A course of action leading to disaster
🔄 Synonyms
fast track (n.) – A rapid route to advancement or success
direct route (n.) – The most straightforward way to achieve something
shortcut (n.) – A quicker method or way than the usual one
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
highwayman (n.) – Obsolete: a robber; modern metaphorical use is rare
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