A Route Was Once a Road Broken Through a Forest
A route is a way taken from one place to another. The Latin behind it means a broken way, cut through obstacles.
A route is a way taken to get from one place to another. Latin *rupta via* meant a broken way — a path forced through forest or rock by breaking a way through, from *rumpere*, to break. That verb also gives *rupture*, *erupt*, *interrupt* and *corrupt*. Pronunciation splits by country: British English says it like *root*, and Americans often say it like *rout*, though both are heard in the United States.
- A way taken. *The fastest route.*
- To send by a way. *Route the traffic.*
- Router — a network device. *A router.*
- Routine — a beaten path of habit. *A routine.*
- Latin — *rumpere*, to break. *The source.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | route | A route. |
| Plural | routes | Routes. |
| Verb | route | Route it. |
| Agent | router | A router. |
| Related | routine | Routine. |
- We took the coastal route.Travel.
- Calls are routed through the exchange.Verb.
- Rupta via means a broken way.Etymology.
The rumpere family
- Route — a way broken through
- Rupture — a breaking apart
- Erupt — to break out
- Interrupt — to break in between
- Corrupt — broken thoroughly
Old French *route*, from Latin *rupta via*, a broken way, from *rumpere*, to break.
Is route pronounced root or rout?
British English says root. American English uses both, with rout common especially for road numbers and computer networking.
Are route and routine related?
Yes. A routine is a well-worn route, a path of habit repeatedly taken.