paths - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
paths Word Meanings
- a way for walking or driving
- a course of action
- a route taken to achieve something
paths Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
paths Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/pɑːθ/
US
/pæθ/
paths Word Etymology
path = path (from Old English 'pæthe', related to 'pæthian' meaning to tread). Origin: Old English → Middle English → English. Imagine a small dirt path in a forest where you walk to discover new places, representing your journey through life.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
Step by step I set my foot on the street and move along, a tiny practice run in real life. I shift my weight, watch the street ahead, and adjust my pace to keep to a chosen line. Each small turn and push past a distraction feels like carving a route toward a goal, and by the end I see how the path I chose shapes where I end up.
Real Context
Path is a simple word that points to a way you can walk or drive, but it also appears in ideas about plans and decisions. In everyday use, a path is a narrow route through landscape, a walking trail or a small road that leads somewhere important. Figuratively, a path describes a course of action or a direction you choose to pursue in life or work. People can speak of following a path, changing one’s path, or finding a new path when faced with an obstacle. The multiple senses make path versatile for learners, and common collocations include path to success, path forward, or stay on the path.
Usage Reminders
- - Use path for a literal narrow route or a figurative course of action.
- - Don’t mix path with road when talking about nature vs city streets.
- - Remember common collocations: path to success, stay on the path, off the path.
- - Prefer on the path vs along the path depending on positioning.
- - Pair path with verbs like follow, take, or forge.
- - Be mindful of its metaphoric feel in life planning.
Common Misconceptions
- Path always means a road; often it is a narrow trail or line of action, not a highway.
- Path is only literal; it cannot be used metaphorically for life plans.
- Path and road are interchangeable in all contexts.
- You must say 'path of' when talking about a journey or goal.
- Stay on the path means you never step off; it always implies a fixed route.
Thinking Differences
English tends to separate literal paths (physical routes) from metaphorical paths (goals). Learners often translate path as a road or struggle to pick the wrong sense; emphasize narrow, natural routes and the life-journey metaphor.
Learning Tips
- Practice both literal and metaphorical uses in sentences.
- Note collocations like path to success, stay on the path.
- Compare path with road, way, and route in context.
- Pay attention to prepositions (on the path, along the path).
- Use visual imagery: a narrow trail vs a wide highway.
- Read and listen to varied examples to hear natural usage.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'paths' mean?
A.Routes or ways taken to reach a destination
B.The name of a type of tree
C.A term for a group of people
D.A type of material used for construction
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'paths' correctly?
A.They chose different paths in life after high school.
B.The artist painted beautiful paths on the canvas.
C.She baked paths for the party.
D.The dog ran along the paths of the garden.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'paths'?
A.colors
B.trails
C.shapes
D.heights
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'paths'?
A.obstacles
B.stops
C.routes
D.trails
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where the word 'paths' might be used?
A.The forest is full of interesting routes to explore.
B.She decided to change her career after many years.
C.He had to choose between two distinct paths for his future.
D.The students are walking along their recreational trails.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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