"Interstate" vs. "highway": navigating the linguistic crossroads
Reviewed and edited by
Lloyd Cooper 08/10/2024, 15:22
English.me team member

What is similar?
Both "interstate" and "highway" refer to major roads used for vehicular travel.
What is different?
"Interstate" specifically refers to a type of highway system in the US that connects multiple states, while "highway" is a general term for any main road designed for travel by the public, which can be within a state or region.
Which one is more common?

Examples of usage
Interstate- We took the interstate to drive from New York to Pennsylvania.
- The interstate highways are crucial for cross-country travel in the United States.
- The highway was congested during the morning rush hour.
- They built a new highway to alleviate traffic in the city.