Word of the Day : May 29, 2021

inroad \IN-rohd\ noun

Definition

1 : an advance or penetration often at the expense of someone or something — usually used in plural

2 : a sudden hostile incursion : raid

Did You Know?

Inroad is a combination of in and road, both of which are pretty mundane, as far as words go. But the first-and-oldest-meaning of inroad hints at a meaning of road other than the "way for traveling" one. Beginning back in the days of Old English, road referred to an armed hostile incursion made on horseback. (Raid comes from this use of road and also formerly specified incursions on horseback.) Road, as well as inroad, has lost its violent connotation. While inroads are often made at the expense of someone or something, they are at times simply advances, as when an artistRoad, as well as inroad, has lost its violent connotation. is said to be "making inroads into a community."

Aired May 29, 2021

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