Reading Theme:
Traffic Jam: Definition, Examples, and Tips
Meaning 1：traffic jam (traffic jam)
traffic jam
/ˈtræfɪk dʒæm/
n.
A situation where vehicles on a road move very slowly or stop completely because there are too many of them.
traffic jam
➕
/ˈtræfɪk dʒæm/
n.
A situation where vehicles move very slowly or stop due to overcrowding on roads.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Traffic (Italian 'traffico', trade) + jam (to squeeze). From trade to vehicle congestion.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine jam on road, cars stick like glue: traffic jam.
📖 Example
I might be late because I'm stuck in a bad traffic jam on the highway.
The speaker says they might be late because they are stuck in a severe traffic jam on the highway.
🔗 Collocations
be stuck in a traffic jam – to be delayed by heavy traffic congestion
cause a traffic jam – to create a situation of traffic congestion
traffic jam warning – an alert about congested traffic conditions
🔄 Synonyms
gridlock (n.) – A traffic jam so severe that no movement is possible, often in city centers.
congestion (n.) – An excessive accumulation of vehicles causing slow or stopped traffic.
bottleneck (n.) – A point of traffic congestion where the road narrows or there is an obstruction.
🚫 Antonyms
free-flowing traffic (n.) – Condition where vehicles move unimpeded at normal speeds without congestion.
clear road (n.) – A road with few or no vehicles, allowing smooth travel.
📖 Cultural Story
First used in 1910s with automobiles. No mythological origin; reflects modern urban challenge. Became common with car boom.
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser