detour
word
/ˈditʊɹ/
/dˈiːtɔː/
Definition
A detour is a different way you take when the usual route is blocked or closed, especially on the road. It can also mean a temporary change of direction from a planned route.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used for road traffic, often with 'take a detour' or 'make a detour.' Can be literal (roads) or figurative (life, plans). Neutral and appropriate in both spoken and written English.
Spanish: desvíoPortuguese (BR): desvioPortuguese (PT): desvioChinese (Simplified): 绕行 - 绕道Chinese (Traditional): 繞行 - 繞道Hindi: विकर्षण मार्ग - रास्ता बदलनाArabic: تحويلةBengali: বিকল্প পথ - বাইপাসRussian: объездJapanese: 迂回路 - 回り道Vietnamese: đường vòngKorean: 우회로 - 우회Turkish: sapak - dolambaçlı yolUrdu: عارضی راستہ - راستہ تبدیل کرناIndonesian: jalan memutar
Example Sentences
We had to take a detour on our way to school.
basic
Follow the signs for the detour.
basic
There was a detour because the main road was closed.
basic
We hit a detour and ended up seeing some beautiful countryside.
natural
Sometimes life takes you on a long detour before you reach your goals.
natural
Sorry I'm late, I had to make a detour around construction.
natural