The Meaning of autopista

Autopista

Definition:

Autopista is a Spanish term that translates to “highway” or “motorway” in English. It refers to a major road designed for high-speed traffic, typically featuring multiple lanes, controlled access points, and no intersections or stop signs, aimed at facilitating efficient long-distance travel.

Usage:

The term is commonly used in Spanish-speaking countries to refer to major routes for vehicles that connect cities and regions. They often require payment of tolls.

Example in Spanish:
“Tomamos la autopista para llegar más rápido a la ciudad.”
(Translation: “We took the highway to get to the city faster.”)

Etymology:

The word autopista is derived from the prefix “auto-” meaning “self” or “automatic,” as seen in “automóvil” (automobile) and “pista,” which means “track” or “path.” Hence, “autopista” can be understood as a “self-driving path,” reflecting the notion of a road designed specifically for motor vehicles.

Pronunciation:

In phonetic notation: [aw.toˈpis.ta]

• The stress is on the second syllable.

Synonyms:

• Carretera (road) - though this can refer to any type of road
• Vía rápida (fast lane)
• Autovía (expressway, similar but not necessarily having tolls)

Antonyms:

• Calle (street)
• Sendero (path or trail)
• Camino (road or path)

This comprehensive overview of autopista provides insight into its meaning, usage, and linguistic background.

1. La autopista está en reparación, así que toma una ruta alternativa.

   • The highway is under repair, so take an alternate route.

2. Conducir por la autopista es más rápido que por las calles de la ciudad.

   • Driving on the highway is faster than through city streets.

3. Hay un peaje en la autopista que conecta las dos ciudades.

   • There is a toll on the highway that connects the two cities.

4. Me encanta manejar por la autopista cuando hay buen clima.

   • I love driving on the highway when the weather is nice.

5. La autopista se extiende por cientos de kilómetros de paisajes hermosos.

   • The highway stretches for hundreds of kilometers through beautiful scenery.

Take your English to the next level with YouTube videos. Tombik.com