byways
|by-ways|
/ˈbaɪ.weɪz/
(byway)
less traveled path
Etymology
'byway' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'bīweg', where 'bī-' meant 'by, near' and 'weg' meant 'way, road'.
'byway' changed from Old English 'bīweg' through Middle English forms such as 'biwey'/'byweie' and eventually became the modern English word 'byway'.
Initially, it meant 'a side or secondary road', and over time it retained that primary meaning while also gaining figurative senses like 'a less-traveled or obscure part/area'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural form of 'byway' — minor roads or side roads, especially country lanes.
They drove along the byways to avoid the busy highway.
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Noun 2
plural form of 'byway' — figurative: the less-traveled, obscure, or minor parts/aspects of something.
She explores the byways of local history rather than the headlines.
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Last updated: 2026/01/14 02:44