Translation of 'bridge' in English
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Word 'bridge' in Other Languages
- bridge in Assamese অসমীয়া
- bridge in Bengali বাংলা
- bridge in Bodo बड़ो
- bridge in Dogri डोगरी
- bridge in English
- bridge in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
- bridge in Hindi हिन्दी
- bridge in Kannada ಕನ್ನಡ
- bridge in Kashmiri कॉशुर
- bridge in Konkani कोंकणी
- bridge in Maithili মৈথিলী
- bridge in Malayalam മലയാളം
- bridge in Manipuri মৈতৈলোন্
- bridge in Marathi मराठी
- bridge in Nepali नेपाली
- bridge in Oriya ଓଡ଼ିଆ
- bridge in Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
- bridge in Sanskrit संस्कृतम्
- bridge in Santali
- bridge in Sindhi سنڌي
- bridge in Tamil தமிழ்
- bridge in Telugu తెలుగు
- bridge in Urdu اُردُو
Bridge
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Pronunciation
/brɪdʒ/
Definitions
- Noun: A structure built to span a physical obstacle, such as a body of water, valley, or road, without closing the way underneath.
- Noun: A connection or link between two things.
- Verb: To build or form a bridge over something.
- Verb: To make a connection or provide a solution between two or more people, groups, or situations.
Usage Examples
- "The bridge across the river was completed last year."
- "We need to bridge the gap between the two companies to foster collaboration."
Etymology
The word "bridge" comes from Middle English "brigge," from Old English "brycg," which has its roots in Proto-Germanic *brugga, and further from Proto-Indo-European *bhrug-, meaning "to swell" or "to bend." It reflects the structure's function as a curved or bent span.
Synonyms
- Span
- Overpass
- Causeway
- Arch
- Link
Antonyms
- Chasm
- Gap
- Severance
Translations
Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
---|---|---|
French | Pont | /pɔ̃/ |
Spanish | Puente | /ˈpwente/ |
German | Brücke | /ˈbrʏkə/ |
Italian | Ponte | /ˈpɔnte/ |
Portuguese | Ponte | /ˈpõtʃi/ |
Russian | Мост | /mɔst/ |
Chinese (Mandarin) | 桥 | /qiáo/ |
Japanese | 橋 | /hashi/ |
Arabic | جسر | /jisr/ |
Hindi | पुल | /pʊl/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
The word "bridge" is generally pronounced consistently across English-speaking regions, though accents may lead to subtle differences in vowel sounds. In some regions, the 'i' might sound more like 'ee,' especially in accents from the UK, while in the US it may be closer to a short 'i' sound.
Historical Usage
The use of bridges dates back to ancient civilizations. The Romans, known for their engineering feats, built some of the earliest stone bridges that have withstood the test of time. The term "bridge" historically symbolized a link or passage from one side of an obstacle to another, which is reflected in modern uses, such as "a bridge between cultures." In ancient texts, bridges were also metaphorically used to represent unity and connection.
Cultural Nuances
Bridges are often seen as symbols of connection and transition in various cultures. For example, in many Native American cultures, bridges represent a journey or crossing from one life stage to another. In Western contexts, bridges have been central to the development of trade and communication, often seen as a literal and figurative link between different communities and societies.
More Information
The concept of a bridge is central to infrastructure development and the movement of goods and people across physical barriers. Modern bridges are often marvels of engineering, designed to withstand the forces of nature, traffic, and time. They vary in type, from simple pedestrian bridges to large-scale suspension bridges, and have evolved significantly since their ancient counterparts.
Today, bridges are critical not just in transportation, but also in metaphorical terms, such as "bridging the gap" in communication, culture, and relationships. Advances in materials and engineering have allowed for ever more ambitious bridge designs, such as the Golden Gate Bridge or the Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge in China, both of which serve as testament to human ingenuity in overcoming natural obstacles.