Path Meaning

UK /pɑːθ/
US /pæθ/
Word Definition
path meaning

Path Definition & Usage

noun

A route, track, or course used for walking or traveling, especially in a natural environment.

Examples

  • "She walked along the narrow path that cut through the woods."
  • "The hikers found a hidden path leading up the mountain."
  • "We followed the path through the garden to the house."
  • "The path was muddy after the rainstorm, making it slippery."
  • "Children ran along the path, playing and laughing."
noun

A course or direction in life, an individual's journey or choices.

Examples

  • "After much reflection, he decided to pursue a different path in his career."
  • "She chose a path of kindness and generosity."
  • "The difficult path she took eventually led to great success."
  • "You can change your path at any point in life, but the decisions you make matter."
  • "His path as an artist was filled with challenges but also immense satisfaction."
noun

A particular method or approach to achieving something, often associated with a systematic or logical sequence.

Examples

  • "The path to solving this problem requires careful analysis and patience."
  • "There is a clear path to success in this business model."
  • "She took the path of least resistance when tackling the project."
  • "He showed me a new path to learn programming effectively."
  • "The path forward in negotiations is unclear, but we must stay determined."
verb (rare)

To create or mark out a route or way.

Examples

  • "The workers are pathing a new road through the forest."
  • "The developers are planning to path a bike lane along the river."
  • "We need to path the route for the marathon race."
  • "The trail guide began to path out a new hiking route."
  • "It took years to path out the most efficient delivery routes."

Cultural Context

In many cultures, the idea of a 'path' is metaphorically associated with life's journey, decisions, and destiny. In Western thought, especially in literature and philosophy, the concept of a 'path' often represents the choices one makes in life, and in Eastern traditions, paths may symbolize spiritual or philosophical journeys. The use of 'path' is ubiquitous in expressions like 'path to success' or 'life path.'

The Path Forward

Story

The Path Forward

It was early spring when Maya stood at the crossroads, the sun casting long shadows over the dirt path ahead. She had been walking for hours, but the journey still felt incomplete. The path she had followed was a well-trodden one, familiar and comforting, but it led her back to the same place every time. Now, standing at the fork in the road, she had to decide whether to continue down the old path or take a chance on something new. As she stood there, an old friend, Laura, came up from behind her. Laura had always chosen the more adventurous paths in life, the ones less traveled, and Maya had often envied her for it. 'Are you going to stay on the path that feels safe, or will you try something new?' Laura asked, her voice full of curiosity. Maya hesitated. 'I'm just not sure. I know where this path leads, but what if the other one is even better? What if it leads to... a completely different life?' She gestured down the two routes, one narrow and winding through the trees, and the other broad and open, leading to the distant mountains. Laura smiled. 'Sometimes the best path is the one you're least prepared for. But you won't know until you take it.' With a deep breath, Maya stepped off the familiar path and onto the one less traveled. As she walked, the trees opened up and the air felt different—lighter, freer. She realized that, for the first time in a long while, she felt alive with possibility. The journey ahead was unknown, but it was hers to choose. The path was hers to make. In the coming months, Maya would look back on that decision as the turning point in her life, the moment when she took control of her destiny and embraced the challenges that lay ahead. As she walked, Maya remembered the words Laura had spoken: 'The best path is often the one that takes you to places you never expected.' And Maya knew that no matter where this path led, it would be a journey worth taking.

The Path Forward