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course

course

2.0
The path something moves along, for example a plane or a river
  • noun
  • /kɔrs/
translation icon : rumbo
  • The United States and its allies are not on course to defeat the Taliban militarily.
  • on a collision course
  • maintain a steady course

They just have less room to alter the course if they're really far off.

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Examples

  • The Senate considered the bill over the course of ten days, rejecting twenty-four amendments and accepting eight.

    Academic text (2017)
  • As the sun rose, we realized we were still on course for our final destination.

  • And we spent two days together over the course of six weeks.

  • And so that was the course of the next two years.

  • I visited my family over the course of three weeks.

  • - I think we're a little off course.

  • Code 7, maintain your present course.

  • Their starting points are different, and their courses are not the same.

    Academic text (2017)
  • Looking ahead to 2000, planners chart the course for the national conference in Washington.

    Academic text (1999)
  • The ship adjusted its course to avoid the storm brewing in the distance.

Synonyms

way
vscourse
1.0

A path or road from one place to another

is the broader term for movement from one place to another
direction
vscourse
1.0

The way something moves or points

is the general route or path not only facing or pointing
route
vscourse
1.0

A road or path people use to travel between places

is the general idea of movement rather than an established road
track
vscourse
2.2

A long metal or rubber band with wheels that helps heavy vehicles move over soft ground

is the broader movement line, not focused on marks or surfaces
path
vscourse
969 1.0

A way or track that people and things move along for travel

is more general, covering any movement direction or line
trajectory
vscourse
  • Specialized
141 7.0

A curved path a moving object like a ball or rocket follows through the sky

is the general direction or route, not only curved or aerial
pathway
vscourse
39 2.7

A track made by people or animals that is worn down

is the general route or direction, not only a worn ground track
flight path
vscourse
  • Specialized
19 3.9

The route a plane or rocket follows through the sky

is the general direction or path, not limited to aircraft use

Idioms

1.0

To show something is obvious and to say yes or give permission

37 3.8

Moving forward as planned to reach a goal

14 4.7

A normal thing to expect in a situation

in due course
  • Formal
12 3.5

At the right time after some waiting

To make a big lasting change to what happens next

Likely to lead to a conflict or failure if nothing changes

Done regularly without extra thought

Compounds

126 1.0

An area of land with grass and holes where people play golf

A plan of steps to reach a goal

28 1.3

The main dish served after a starter and before dessert

A situation likely to lead to conflict between people or groups if not changed

17 3.4

A short course that teaches important skills quickly

The way important events and changes happen over time in the past

A short course that reviews and updates what people already know

Something that people expect to happen without special effort

A change to a plan to make it work better

A course where teachers send lessons and students return work by mail or online for home study

A set of classes in a subject that lead to a qualification or degree

A move to a different direction physically or in plans

A course that all students must take to finish a program

2 3.4

A list of classes a college or university offers with times, requirements, and descriptions

course credit
  • Specialized
1 3.4

An official record that a college gives for a completed course toward a degree

A course offered by a college for adults, often in the evenings

A course a student chooses instead of a required class

main course
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A large square sail set on a ship's main mast to catch the wind

A set of lessons in a subject to teach skills or knowledge

1 6.5

A golf course by the sea with sandy ground, small hills, and few trees

A series of talks about one subject that teachers give at a university or college

A scheduled class that is part of a course

7.9

A layer of waterproof material at the bottom of walls near the ground that stops moisture rising

A layer of waterproof material in a wall near the ground that stops water rising

Happening in a normal, expected way

mizzen course
  • Specialized
9.9

The lowest sail on the mast at the back of a sailing ship

A short class that introduces new people to a place or group

A racetrack in Baltimore that hosts the Preakness Stakes

weeder course
  • Jargon
8.2

A hard class that many students fail, making some leave the program

How Direct

straight line
49 1.0
course
2.0
route
1.0
path
969 1.0
to detour
7 3.7
meander
1 5.2

Surface Forms

course singular
courses plural

Etymology

Course (route) comes from the Latin cursus and currere, meaning 'to run'. So a course is simply the path or direction that something 'runs' along, like the route of a ship or plane.