Wordiyoway
Old EnglishVariants
Related Roots
About This Root
From Old English weg (road, path), from Proto-Germanic *wegaz. Carries a dual sense of physical path and abstract manner — 'doorway' and 'railway' are literal passages, while 'headway' means progress. Compounds often describe types of routes (motorway, stairway, railway) or positions along a path (wayside). The verb 'waylay' preserves an older sense of lying in wait along someone's way.
Associated Words
doorway
The opening or passage where a door is fitted
headway
Progress or forward movement toward a goal
motorway
A wide highway designed for high-speed motor traffic
railway
A rail-based transport system for trains
sideway
Toward one side; sideways
stairway
A set of steps allowing movement between levels
way
a route or path; a method or manner; far away
waylay
To ambush or unexpectedly intercept someone
wayside
The side of a road or path