Avenue is a word that is commonly used in English language. It is a term that refers to a wide road or a path that is lined with trees or buildings on both sides. In this article, we will discuss the definition and meaning of avenue, its origin, and the associations, synonyms, and antonyms of the word.
Definitions
An avenue is defined as a wide street or road, often lined with trees or buildings on both sides. It can also refer to a way of approach or access to something, such as an avenue of opportunity or an avenue of escape.
Origin
The word avenue comes from the Old French word “aveneu,” which means “a way of approach.” It was first used in English in the 1600s to refer to a broad street or road.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, an avenue is “a broad road or path, often bordered with trees, and leading to a large public building, park, or country house.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a broad street or walkway bordered by trees.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “a wide road with trees on both sides, or a wide path or passage through a park or garden.”
Associations
Avenue is often associated with grandeur, elegance, and sophistication. It is commonly used to describe the grand entrances of large public buildings, parks, and country estates.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of avenue include boulevard, street, lane, road, path, way, and drive.
Antonyms
Antonyms of avenue include dead end, cul-de-sac, and impasse.
The same root words
The word avenue shares its root with the word “avenue” in French, which means “approach” or “way of access.”
Example Sentences
- We walked down the avenue lined with cherry blossom trees.
- The grand avenue led to the entrance of the palace.
- The new job offers a great avenue for career growth.
- The narrow alley was a sharp contrast to the wide avenue we had just left.