Langimage
English

crossroad

|cross/road|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈkrɔːsˌroʊd/

🇬🇧

/ˈkrɒsˌrəʊd/

intersection or decision point

Etymology
Etymology Information

'crossroad' originates from Middle English, specifically the words 'cros' meaning 'cross' and 'rode' meaning 'road'.

Historical Evolution

'cros' and 'rode' combined in Middle English to form 'crossroad', which has retained its meaning in modern English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a place where roads intersect', but it has also come to mean 'a point of decision' in a metaphorical sense.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a point where two or more roads intersect.

The car stopped at the crossroad to let pedestrians pass.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Noun 2

a point at which a crucial decision must be made that will have far-reaching consequences.

She found herself at a crossroad in her career, unsure of which path to take.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45