Traverse Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈtrævərs/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A traverse is a passage or route that crosses over something, often referring to a path, road, or trail that intersects another.

Examples

1. “The hikers took a traverse to reach the summit, avoiding the steep climb.”

2. “The traverse was marked with signs to ensure safety and navigation.”

Synonyms

1. Crossing

2. Intersection

Antonyms

1. Straight path

2. Direct route

Additional Information

Traverses can be natural, such as a stream or river crossing a terrain, or man-made, such as a road or trail constructed to facilitate passage. In navigation, a traverse is used to determine a vessel’s position relative to a reference point or landmark. In engineering and surveying, a traverse is a method of determining the position of points using measuring instruments and reference points. The word “traverse” comes from the Old French word “traverse,” meaning “crossing” or “intersecting.” It has been in use in the English language since the 15th century and has evolved to encompass various meanings and applications.

Traverses can be found in various environments, including wilderness areas, urban landscapes, and specialized facilities such as airports or industrial complexes. They often require careful planning and execution to ensure safety and efficiency. In cultural and historical contexts, traverses can be used to describe paths or routes used by ancient civilizations or explorers.

The term “traverse” has been used in various forms of media, including literature, film, and video games. For example, in William Golding’s novel “The Inheritors,” the characters use a traverse to navigate through the forest, highlighting the importance of this concept in the context of human survival.

Idiomatic expressions that include the word “traverse” include “Traverse the abyss” and “Crossing paths.” These phrases convey the idea of navigating through complex or challenging situations, often with a sense of uncertainty or danger.

Common collocations of the word “traverse” include “traverse the road,” “traverse the terrain,” and “traverse the distance.” These combinations emphasize the idea of crossing or navigating over a specific area or obstacle.

The word “traverse” is a commonly used term in various fields, including navigation, engineering, and surveying. It has a moderate frequency of use in modern language, with entries found in dictionaries and thesauri.

Common misspellings of the word “traverse” include “traverse,” “traverize,” and “tragvere.” These variations often result from phonetic or typographical errors.