The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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traverse

verb

/ˈtravəs/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of traverse

To travel across or move through a terrain, area, or obstacle, typically by navigating or crossing it in a systematic or linear manner.
"The climbers will traverse the steep cliffs to reach the summit."

Detailed meaning of traverse

It often implies a journey or passage that involves crossing over or covering a specific distance, either horizontally or vertically. When you traverse a landscape, you may be hiking through a forest, crossing a mountain range, or navigating a desert. In a broader sense, "traverse" can also describe the act of moving through a range of topics, ideas, or experiences, as in traversing a complex subject or traversing the ups and downs of life. Overall, "traverse" emphasizes the action of moving across or through something, whether it's physical terrain or a figurative domain, often suggesting a purposeful and systematic approach.

Example sentences containing traverse

1. We need to traverse the entire forest to reach the hidden waterfall.
2. The hikers will traverse the mountain range in search of rare plants.
3. He plans to traverse the desert on foot to test his endurance.
4. The explorers will traverse the underground caves to map their intricate pathways.
5. The river provides a natural route to traverse the valley.
6. We will traverse the city streets to reach our destination.

History and etymology of traverse

The verb 'traverse' has its roots in the Old French word 'traverser,' which is derived from the Vulgar Latin term 'transversare,' a verb form of 'transversus.' 'Transversus' is Latin for 'across' or 'crosswise,' and it's formed from 'trans,' meaning 'across,' and 'vertere,' meaning 'to turn.' This etymology is quite fitting as 'traverse' involves the action of moving across or through a terrain, area, or obstacle, often in a systematic or linear manner. The word 'traverse' thus encapsulates the notion of journeying across and navigating through spaces or obstacles, emphasizing the act of crossing and turning as one progresses along a path or route.

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Further usage examples of traverse

1. It's important to traverse the bridge cautiously during strong winds.
2. The team will traverse the dense jungle to study the wildlife.
3. The trekking group will traverse the icy terrain to reach the base camp.
4. The skilled mountaineer will traverse the narrow ridge without any ropes.
5. The rover is programmed to traverse the Martian landscape autonomously.
6. The expedition will traverse the treacherous waters of the Arctic Ocean.
7. The adventurers will traverse the ancient ruins in search of hidden treasures.
8. The trail allows hikers to traverse the scenic countryside.
9. The surveyors need to traverse the entire construction site to measure its boundaries.
10. The marathon runners will traverse the city streets, covering a distance of 26.2 miles.
11. The team will traverse the dense forest, using a machete to clear their path.
12. The climbers will traverse the granite wall, relying on their rock-climbing skills.
13. The skiers will traverse the snowy slopes to reach the ski resort.