detour
1 synonym for detour, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An indirect route taken instead of the direct one.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
roundabout way
How to use detour
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
take a detour
a scenic detour
forced to detour
Etymology
From French détour, from détourner ("to turn away").
Full origin of detour →Frequently asked questions
What does “detour” mean?
The word “detour” means an indirect route taken instead of the direct one. In plain terms, a roundabout route away from the usual one, often because of a closure.
How do you pronounce “detour”?
“Detour” is pronounced DEE-taw (/ˈdi.toɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “detour” in a sentence?
Here is “detour” used in a sentence: “We took a detour to avoid the accident on the motorway.”
What part of speech is “detour”?
Depending on how it is used, “detour” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “detour” come from?
The word “detour” comes from French. From French détour, from détourner ("to turn away").
Is “detour” a common word?
“Detour” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “detour” have?
“Detour” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an indirect route taken instead of the direct one.
