path

path — noun

1. a narrow way people walk on, or the line something moves along.

1.nounA2
Definition

a narrow way people walk on, or the line something moves along.

Example

A narrow path led the children from the farm to the river.

pattern: path to + place

After the storm, workers cleared a path through the fallen trees.

collocation: clear a path through

Common collocations
  • garden path
  • stone path
  • clear a path
  • path through the woods
  • in the path of the storm
Synonyms
  • trail

    often means a rough or natural path, especially in the countryside

  • track

    can be a narrow path made by repeated walking, wheels, or feet

  • route

    more often suggests a planned way from one place to another

  • course

    fits best for the line an object follows while moving

Grammar Patterns

path to + place

path through + area

in the path of + moving thing

Usage Note

Common after prepositions such as on, along, through, and in the path of. Distinguish from sense 2, which uses path figuratively for progress, plans, or future change.

Common Mistakes

We walked in the path to the lake.
We walked on the path to the lake.
use 'on' when you mean moving along the path.

2. a way of doing things that moves you toward a desired result or future state.

2.nounB2
Definition

a way of doing things that moves you toward a desired result or future state.

Example

Night classes gave Rosa a new path to better work.

pattern: path to + goal

The mayor set the town on a path toward cleaner air.

pattern: set [something] on a path toward

Common collocations
  • path to success
  • path to recovery
  • set someone on a path
  • path toward change
  • open a path for reform
Synonyms
  • way

    the broadest choice, but less focused on steady progress than path

  • route

    suggests a more planned or mapped set of steps

  • road

    a common metaphor for a longer future or life direction

  • course

    sounds more formal and often stresses deliberate action

Antonyms
  • dead end

    describes a plan or situation that does not lead anywhere useful

Grammar Patterns

path to/toward + goal

set somebody on a path

open a path for + noun + to-infinitive

Usage Note

Often appears in patterns like path to/toward + goal and set someone on a path. Distinguish from sense 1, which is about an actual track or movement line.

Common Mistakes

This course gave me a path for a new job.
This course gave me a path to a new job.
this sense usually takes 'to' before the result.
Idioms

beat a path to somebody's door

idiom

if many people keep going to someone because they want that person's help, ideas, or products.

After Mia won the baking show, shops beat a path to her door.

Parents beat a path to Mr. Chen's door before exam week.

cross somebody's path | people's paths cross

idiom

to meet someone by chance, or to happen to meet again later.

Sora crossed my path at the night market after ten years.

Lena and Mr. Wu crossed paths again when both families moved to Tainan.

lead somebody up/down the garden path

idiom

to trick someone into believing a false story.

The fake seller led Nora up the garden path with sweet promises.

Online rumors led many voters down the garden path last spring.

the primrose path

idiom

a pleasant and easy life that later brings trouble.

The novel follows a singer lured down the primrose path by fame.

Cheap credit pushed the couple down the primrose path.

smooth the path/way

idiom

to remove problems so that progress becomes easier.

Clear school rules smoothed the path for new teachers in July.

The grant smoothed the way for Mei to start her shop.

beat a path to somebody’s door

idiom

Many people visit or contact someone because they want what that person offers.

After her award, publishers beat a path to Maya's door.

Did investors beat a path to Diego's door after his invention?

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

For noun/1, path is the most general word for a way people walk on or the line something moves along. Route usually suggests a planned way from one place to another and is common in travel directions. Trail often means a rough path in the countryside, especially for walking or hiking. Track can also mean a narrow path, but it often suggests marks made by feet, wheels, or repeated use. Way is broader than path and can also mean a method, so it is less specific. Compare: 'We followed a forest path,' 'The bus route changed,' 'They hiked a mountain trail,' and 'Bike tracks crossed the field.'

route ↗trail ↗track ↗way ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • follow a path
  • find a path
  • choose a path

Prepositions

  • path to
  • path toward

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

Modern English path comes through Middle English from Old English pæth, a word for a way people walk on. It is also related to Old High German pfad, which had the same basic meaning. Over time, English kept the physical sense and later extended it to figurative uses such as a path to success.