Langimage
English

crossroads

|cross/roads|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈkrɔsˌroʊdz/

🇬🇧

/ˈkrɒsˌrəʊdz/

(crossroad)

intersection or decision point

Base FormPlural
crossroadcrossroads
Etymology
Etymology Information

'crossroads' 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 'crossrode', which eventually became the modern English word 'crossroads'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a place where roads intersect', but over time it also evolved to mean 'a critical decision point'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a point where two or more roads intersect.

The car stopped at the crossroads to check the map.

Synonyms

Noun 2

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

She found herself at a crossroads in her career.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39