path
Pronounced:
/ˈpæθ, Brit ˈpɑ:θ/
Function:
nounInflected forms:
plural paths /ˈpæðz, Brit ˈpɑ:ðz/ Meaning:
[count] 1 a : a track that is made by people or animals walking over the ground ▪ We followed a winding path through the woods. ▪ a steep mountain path ▪ The path led down the hill. b : a track that is specially made for people to walk or ride on ▪ a bike path ▪ a paved path —see also bridle path
2 : the area in front of someone or something that is moving ▪ The car skidded into the path of an oncoming truck. ▪ The fire destroyed everything in its path. ▪ The cars moved aside to clear a path for the ambulance. ▪ He tried to leave but one of the guards blocked his path. —see also flight path
3 : a way of living or proceeding that leads to something ▪ the path to peace/success ▪ They are heading down a dangerous path that could lead to war. ▪ Their older children all became doctors, but their youngest son chose/followed a different (career) path. —see also primrose path at primrose
2 : the area in front of someone or something that is moving ▪ The car skidded into the path of an oncoming truck. ▪ The fire destroyed everything in its path. ▪ The cars moved aside to clear a path for the ambulance. ▪ He tried to leave but one of the guards blocked his path. —see also flight path
3 : a way of living or proceeding that leads to something ▪ the path to peace/success ▪ They are heading down a dangerous path that could lead to war. ▪ Their older children all became doctors, but their youngest son chose/followed a different (career) path. —see also primrose path at primrose
beat a path —see 1beat
cross paths —see 2cross
lead someone down/up the garden path —see 1lead
off the beaten path —see beaten
take/follow the path of least resistance —see resistance