Reading Theme:
Lane Definition, Usage & Key Differences (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：designated path for vehicles (lane)
lane
/leɪn/
n.
One of the parallel parts marked by lines on a road, where vehicles drive in a single line.
designated path for vehicles
➕
/ˈdɛzɪɡneɪtɪd pæθ fɔːr ˈviːɪkəlz/
n.
A specifically marked division of a roadway for a single line of traffic.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'lanu', meaning a narrow way, street, or passage.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a 'lane' as a 'line' on a road or track. Both words start with 'L' and refer to a narrow, defined path.
📖 Example
During rush hour, the lane for turning left was completely blocked by cars.
During the busy commute, the designated traffic path for making a left turn was fully occupied by vehicles.
🔗 Collocations
bus lane – a lane reserved for buses only
fast lane – the lane on a highway for overtaking or faster traffic
slow lane – the lane intended for vehicles moving at lower speeds
🔄 Synonyms
carriageway (n.) – the part of a road intended for vehicles (British English, often for one direction of traffic)
track (n.) – a rough path or road, less formally marked than a lane
alley (n.) – a narrow street or passageway between buildings, not typically for high-speed vehicle traffic
🚫 Antonyms
off-road (adj./adv.) – moving or situated away from regular roads or paved surfaces
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'lane' originates from Old English, describing a narrow path between hedges or buildings. Its modern sporting use, such as swimming or running lanes, formalized in the 20th century with standardized competitive rules to ensure fair races.
Meaning 2：competitor's marked section (lane)
lane
/leɪn/
n.
A marked section of a swimming pool or running track for one competitor in a race.
competitor's marked section
➕
/kəmˈpɛtɪtərz mɑːrkt ˈsɛkʃən/
n.
A marked division in a swimming pool or on a running track allocated to one competitor during a race.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The swimmer in lane four broke the world record with an incredible final sprint.
The athlete assigned to the fourth marked racing section shattered the global best time with a remarkable burst of speed at the end.
🔗 Collocations
swimming lane – a designated strip in a pool for one swimmer in a race
inside lane – the lane closest to the inner edge of a running track, often advantageous in distance races
outside lane – the lane furthest from the inner edge of a track
🔄 Synonyms
course (n.) – the area on which a race is run, such as a racecourse or golf course, less specific to individual strips
channel (n.) – a navigable passage, can be used metaphorically for a designated path like a lane
gutter (n.) – in bowling, the channels on either side of the alley; not for competitors
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser