via
Definitions
By way of (a place); travelling or passing through
经由，经过（某地）
By means of (a method, channel, or person)
通过，凭借（某种方式或渠道）
A road or way (chiefly in Latin names and technical use)
道路（主要见于拉丁语名称和专业用法）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedvia is Latin for 'road, way,' borrowed straight into English. 'Fly to Tokyo via Hong Kong' literally means travelling 'by the road of' Hong Kong. From the road sense it extends to any channel or means: 'I heard via a friend' = the news travelled along that route to you.
Root via still carries 14 more wordsUsage Guide
via is a preposition, not a verb or noun in everyday use. Two natural slots: (1) routes — 'via Paris' (through Paris); (2) means — 'via email,' 'via her assistant.' It's slightly formal; in casual speech 'through' or 'by way of' often replaces it. Pronounced /ˈvaɪə/ in BrE, often /ˈviːə/ in AmE.
Example Sentences
- 1.
We flew to Sydney via Singapore to save money.
- 2.
She sent the documents via email rather than by post.
- 3.
I only found out about the party via a mutual friend.