auto-road

A long auto-road stretches through a green valley.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A road designed exclusively for motor vehicles: "auto-road" refers to a highway or roadway built specifically for automobiles, often with controlled access and high-speed limits, similar to a motorway or expressway.
   • Alternative spelling of "autostrada": In some contexts, "auto-road" is used as a variant of "autostrada," a term for a major highway in certain countries (e.g., Italy), but the core meaning remains a road for cars.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The new auto-road connects the city to the airport, reducing travel time significantly. (A highway built for cars only.)
  • Driving on the auto-road requires careful attention due to high speeds. (A road dedicated to automobiles.)

Advanced Usage

• "to take the auto-road": to choose a highway over local roads.

  • For a faster journey, we decided to take the auto-road instead of the winding country lanes. (We opted for the expressway.)

• "auto-road network": a system of interconnected highways for cars.

  • The country's auto-road network is expanding to accommodate more traffic. (The system of car-only roads.)

Variants and Related Words

• Autostrada (n): a term used in some European countries for a major highway, often synonymous with "auto-road."

  • The autostrada was clear, so we made good time. (The highway was free of congestion.)

• Road (n): a general term for a paved way for vehicles, not exclusively for cars.

  • This road is open to all vehicles, not just cars. (A standard road.)

Synonyms

• Highway: a main road for fast travel between cities.
• Expressway: a divided highway with limited access for high-speed traffic.
• Motorway: a road designed for fast motor traffic, with multiple lanes and no intersections.

Related Idioms

• "Hit the auto-road": informal phrase meaning to begin a journey on a highway.

  • We packed the car and hit the auto-road early in the morning. (We started driving on the highway.)

• "Auto-road rage": a play on "road rage," referring to aggressive driving behavior on highways.

  • Auto-road rage is common during rush hour on the expressway. (Angry driving on car-only roads.)