GIVE WAY Meaning and
Definition
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give way (verb)
Definition: To yield or surrender to something or someone, usually due to pressure or force; to allow passage or entry; to collapse or break down.
1. To yield or surrender: Giving way refers to the act of submitting or conceding to a more powerful or persuasive force. It can be applied to both physical and figurative contexts. For instance, in a debate, if one participant presents a strong argument that convinces the others, they might give way to that person's viewpoint. Similarly, in a conflict, if one party has superior strength or authority, the weaker side may give way and accept defeat.
2. To allow passage or entry: Give way can also describe the act of permitting someone or something to pass through or enter a particular route or area. It commonly applies to traffic situations, where vehicles yield to oncoming traffic or pedestrians at intersections or junctions. In this context, giving way ensures smoother traffic flow and promotes safety.
3. To collapse or break down: Another usage of give way relates to physical structures or objects succumbing to external pressure, strain, or force. For example, a bridge may give way under the weight of heavy traffic or excessive loads. Similarly, a dam could give way due to excessive water pressure, resulting in a collapse or flood. In this sense, give way conveys a sense of failure or breakdown.
Overall, give way denotes yielding, surrendering, allowing passage, or collapsing, depending on the specific context in which it is used.
Common Misspellings for GIVE WAY
- giveway
- five way
- vive way
- bive way
- hive way
- yive way
- tive way
- guve way
- gjve way
- gkve way
- gove way
- g9ve way
- g8ve way
- gice way
- gibe way
- gige way
- gife way
- givw way
- givs way
- givd way
Etymology of GIVE WAY
The phrase "give way" can be traced back to the Old English word "giefan" which means "to give", and the Middle English word "wey" meaning "way" or "path". Over time, the two words merged to form the phrase "give way", which first appeared in the English language around the 16th century. The phrase originally referred to physically yielding or opening a path for someone or something. In the context of traffic rules and regulations, "give way" emerged in the early 20th century to denote the act of yielding or giving priority to other vehicles.
Idioms with the word GIVE WAY
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give way to sth
The idiom "give way to something" means to yield or surrender to something. It is used to describe a situation where one thing or emotion is replaced or overcome by another. It implies a transition or a shift in dominance or control.
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make way for sth, at give way to sth
The idioms "make way for something" and "give way to something" both refer to moving aside or yielding to accommodate or allow for something or someone else. These phrases mean to make space, clear a path, or step aside in order to let someone or something pass or take precedence.
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give way to
The idiom "give way to" means to yield, surrender, or make room for something or someone. It can also refer to abandoning one's own position or preference in favor of another.
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give way
To yield or make space for someone or something; to move aside or surrender control.
Similar spelling words for GIVE WAY
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