Words / B2

DEET-oor/ˈdiːtʊə/

A detour is a longer route used when the usual road is closed; as a verb, to take that route: a signed detour; detour around. Diversion is the close British road-sign twin; diversion can also mean entertainment — a classic trap. Map the detour on the OS extract, then the extra kilometres. Mix-up: detour vs tour; return; do not write detour for a scenic slogan with no closure.

Meaning

A longer route used when the usual road is closed; as a verb, to take that route.

Examples

• “Map the detour on the OS extract, then the extra kilometres, not a scenic slogan.”
• “A diversion on the A-road featured in the bulletin, which is the British road-sign twin — still quote the delay.”

Good to know

a signed detour; detour around / via; make a detour. UK road twin: diversion. Trap: tour / entertainment “diversion”. Geography and news. A longer route around a closure — map the extra kilometres.

Near in meaning

diversion, rerouting, bypass

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