Words / B2

BYP-ahs/ˈbaɪpɑːs/

To bypass is to go around a place or problem instead of through it: bypass the town, bypass the usual process. Avoid and skip are everyday; go around is the picture. Bypass is also a noun for a road around a town, and for a heart operation (a coronary bypass). In speech, go round / skip the queue is enough. Bypassing a rule can sound clever or improper, depending on who speaks. Do not use it for a short-cut across a field unless a road or process is in play.

Meaning

To go around a place or problem instead of through it; also a noun for a road around a town.

Examples

• “The new road bypasses the town centre.”
• “Delivery vans now bypass the high street, which the shops noticed in a week.”
• “She bypassed the complaints form and emailed the head, which the policy forbids.”

Good to know

Go around a place or process. Noun: a ring road; also heart surgery. Everyday: go round / skip. Can sound unofficial if you skip a rule.

Near in meaning

go around

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