Reading Theme:
Traffic Light: Meaning, Examples, and Usage
Meaning 1：set of colored lights at intersections (traffic light)
traffic light
/ˈtræfɪk laɪt/
n.
A set of colored lights at a street corner that tells drivers and walkers when to stop and go.
set of colored lights at intersections
➕
/sɛt ʌv ˈkʌlərd laɪts æt ˌɪntərˈsɛkʃənz/
n.
A device with red, yellow, and green lights that regulates the flow of vehicles and pedestrians at road junctions.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
‘Traffic’ from Italian ‘traffico’ (commerce) + ‘light’ from Old English ‘lēoht’ (illumination).
💡 Mnemonic
Picture a red, yellow, and green stack—like a giant lollipop for cars. Stop, slow, go!
📖 Example
When driving to the city center, turn left at the next traffic light to reach the cinema.
When driving to the city center, turn left at the next traffic light to reach the cinema.
🔗 Collocations
run a traffic light – to drive through a red light illegally
traffic light system – a set of traffic lights controlling an intersection
obey the traffic light – to follow the signals of a traffic light
🔄 Synonyms
stoplight (n.) – another term for traffic light, especially the red light
signal (n.) – a device giving visual instructions to drivers
traffic signal (n.) – a formal term for a traffic light
🚫 Antonyms
uncontrolled intersection (n.) – a crossing without any traffic control device
stop sign (n.) – a sign requiring a full stop, but not a multicolor light
📖 Cultural Story
The first electric traffic light was installed in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1914. The modern three-color design was inspired by railroad signals to prevent confusion.
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