bridge
C1Formal, Informal, Technical
Definition
Meaning
A structure built to allow people, vehicles, or pathways to cross over a physical obstacle such as a river, valley, road, or railway.
Something that connects, links, or reduces the distance between two separate things, ideas, or groups, often metaphorically.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The core sense relates to physical structures, but the metaphorical extension is extremely common and productive across many domains (social, cultural, technological). The verb form 'to bridge' is derived from this metaphorical sense.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. Minor lexical differences in related compounds (e.g., 'flyover' vs. 'overpass').
Connotations
Similar positive connotations of connection and progress in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
bridge [OBSTACLE]bridge [the gap/divide/chasm] between X and Ybe bridged by [STRUCTURE/METHOD]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Burn your bridges”
- “Cross that bridge when you come to it”
- “Water under the bridge”
- “A bridge too far”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A strategy to bridge the gap between our brand and younger consumers.
Academic
The study aims to bridge the theoretical divide between these two schools of thought.
Everyday
We'll need to cross the old bridge to get to the village.
Technical
The new cantilever bridge design reduces stress on the central piers.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The new policy aims to bridge the north-south divide.
- Can we bridge our differences before the meeting?
American English
- This program bridges the gap between high school and college.
- We bridged the creek with some fallen logs.
adjective
British English
- He plays in a bridge tournament every month. (as in the card game)
- The bridge column is in the local paper.
American English
- She's a bridge champion. (card game)
- We need a bridge loan until the sale closes.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The small bridge goes over the river.
- Let's walk across the bridge.
- They are building a new bridge to connect the two towns.
- The old stone bridge is very beautiful.
- Cultural exchanges can help to bridge misunderstandings between nations.
- The engineer explained how the suspension bridge handles high winds.
- The novel attempts to bridge the literary traditions of two distinct eras.
- His diplomacy was crucial in bridging the seemingly irreconcilable positions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Picture a BRIDGE. It has a BR-IDGE. The 'BR' could stand for 'Bringing Roads' or 'Bridging Rivers' together.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELATIONSHIPS ARE BRIDGES ("They built a bridge of trust"), PROGRESS IS A JOURNEY ACROSS A BRIDGE ("We're halfway across the bridge to a solution").
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'мост' which is direct translation for physical structure, but 'bridge' as a verb ("to bridge a gap") is often translated as 'преодолеть разрыв' or 'соединить'.
- "Bridge of the nose" is 'переносица', not a direct translation.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'bridge above the river' (use 'over' or 'across').
- Using 'bridge' as a countable noun for metaphorical sense: "They need a bridge between them" (correct) vs. "They need bridge" (incorrect, requires article).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'bridge' used metaphorically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While commonly over water, bridges can cross any obstacle: roads (overpass), valleys (viaduct), railways, or other gaps.
A viaduct is a specific type of bridge, usually consisting of a series of arches or spans, carrying a road or railway over a valley, low-lying area, or other bridges.
Yes, very commonly. As a verb, it means 'to make a connection or reduce the difference between', e.g., 'to bridge a gap'.
It's an idiom meaning to do something that makes it impossible to return to a previous situation, often by ending a relationship or opportunity in a definitive and negative way.
Collections
Part of a collection
Places in the City
A1 · 50 words · Common buildings and places found in towns and cities.