Avenue Meaning and Definition
Avenue
Pronunciation
/ˈævənjuː/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A thoroughfare, often lined with buildings, trees, and a median, that is generally wider than a street and narrower than a boulevard.
Etymology
The word “avenue” comes from the French “avenue”, which is derived from the Latin “avena”, meaning “oats”. Initially, an avenue referred to a broad and elevated road or passageway, often surrounded by trees and shrubs.
Usage Notes
Avenue can be used as a noun or as a verb. As a noun, it refers to a thoroughfare or a route. As a verb, it means to pass through or along something in a particular order, often implying a sense of progression or advancement.
Cultural References
Avenue has been featured in various cultural works, including literature, music, and film. For example, the classic novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald is set in the affluent communities along Long Island’s North Shore, where the main character, Jay Gatsby, resides on West Egg.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Take the avenue”: a phrase that implies taking a path or route to achieve a specific goal.
Related Words or Phrases
- Street
- Boulevard
- Highway
Collocations
- “Drive down the avenue”
- “Take a stroll along the avenue”
Frequency of Use
Avenue is a relatively common word in modern language, particularly in urban contexts where streets and thoroughfares are a important part of daily life.
Common Misspellings
- Avenu
- Avene