Pronunciation: [dˈiːtʊ͡əz] (IPA) 
The word "detours" is a plural noun that describes a longer or indirect route taken to avoid something, such as traffic or construction. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /dɪˈtʊrz/, which breaks down as "d" as in "day," "ɪ" as in "sit," "ˈtʊrz" which is a combination of "t" as in "top" and "ʊ" as in "put." The letter "s" at the end is not pronounced separately, but instead elongates the sound of the final "z" sound.
Detours are alternative routes or ways around a particular path or course. In essence, a detour is a deviation or diversion from the most direct or usual route. It involves temporarily changing the intended direction or course due to various reasons, such as road closures, construction, accidents, or any obstacle that obstructs the regular route.
Detours are commonly used in road transportation systems to redirect or reroute traffic when the normal route is impassable or inconvenient. They help ensure the efficient flow of traffic and decrease congestion. Detours are often indicated by signs or other forms of guidance to notify drivers and travelers of the deviation from the regular path.
Outside of road infrastructure, a detour can also be used metaphorically to describe a temporary deviation from one's original plan or objective. It implies a redirection or postponement of the intended path to accommodate unforeseen circumstances or obstacles. These detours can occur in various aspects of life, such as personal goals, career plans, or even interpersonal relationships.
Overall, detours offer an alternative or temporary solution to reach a desired destination or objective when the usual or direct route is obstructed or unavailable. They provide flexibility and adaptability to accommodate unforeseen circumstances and ensure progress is made towards the intended goal.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "detour" is derived from the French word "détour", which comes from the verb "détourner", meaning "to turn aside" or "to divert". The French term is a combination of "de", which indicates separation or removal, and "tourner", meaning "to turn". The English word "detour" came into use in the mid-18th century and refers to a route taken to bypass an obstruction or deviation from the usual path.
