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course

course

∞ 2.0
The path something moves along, for example a plane or a river
  • noun
  • /kɔrs/
: 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.