different between thoroughfare vs throughway

English

Alternative forms

• thorofare
• throughfare
• thoroughfair (obsolete)
• thorowfair (obsolete)

Etymology

From Middle English thurghfare, corresponding to thorough- (“through”) +? fare. Compare Old English þurhfaran (“to go through, go over, traverse, pierce, pass through, pass beyond, transcend, penetrate”). Compare also Old English þurhfær (“inner secret place”), German Durchfahrt (“passage through, thoroughfare”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?????f??/

Noun

thoroughfare (plural thoroughfares)

1. (now rare except in certain set phrases) A passage; a way through.
2. A road open at both ends or connecting one area with another; a highway or main street.
   • 2011, Stephen Phelan, The Guardian, 1 Jul 2011:

     Local art is now a viable industry, and hundreds of islanders make a living in it. The thoroughfare of Oneroa village is lined with shops and galleries full of their work.

3. (obsolete) The act of going through; passage; travel, transit.
   • 1667, John Milton, Paradise Lost, Book X:

     and made one realm, / Hell and this world, one realm, one continent / Of easy thorough-fare.
4. An unobstructed waterway allowing passage for ships.

Translations

English

Alternative forms

• thruway (nonstandard)

Etymology

From through +? way. Compare thoroughway.

Noun

throughway (plural throughways)

1. (US) A broad highway fit for high-speed traffic; a thoroughfare.