bypass
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈbaɪpæs/
KK: /ˈbaɪpæs/
noun
Definition
A road or route that goes around a difficult area, or a way to avoid something.
Example
The new bypass will help reduce traffic in the city center.
Conversation
Did you take the new bypass around the city yesterday?
Yeah, it was great! I avoided all the traffic.
I think I’ll use that bypass next time I drive there.
Definitely do! It saves so much time.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
detour
circumvention
shunt
Antonyms
obstruction
blockage
impediment
transitive verb
Definition
To avoid something by taking a different route or method, often to ignore rules or procedures.
Example
The engineer decided to bypass the damaged section of the road by using a detour.
Tense Forms
Past: bypassed
Past Participle: bypassed
Conversation
Did you hear about the construction on Main Street?
Yeah, it's causing such a hassle!
I think we should bypass that area altogether.
Root Explanation
Bypass is formed from "by-" (meaning near or close) and "pass" (from Old French *passer*, meaning to go or to pass). The word describes the act of going near or around something instead of through it.
Memory Tip
Think of going 'near' ('by-') something instead of 'passing' through it — that's what bypass means.
Visually Confused Words
pass
bass