headway
UK[ˈhɛdweɪ]US[ˈhɛdweɪ]
n
forward movement or progress, especially when this is slow or difficult
n
the difference in time or distance between two vehicles, especially ships or trains, travelling in the same direction
Morpheme Breakdown
head
way
head
way
Etymology
the word 'headway' is a native english compound formed from two old english elements. literally, it meant "the forward part of a journey or path," with 'head' implying the front or leading position. it was originally a nautical term from the 16th century, describing the forward motion of a ship, especially against wind or tide. from this concrete sense of forward movement through resistance, the meaning broadened metaphorically to signify any kind of progress or advance made in challenging circumstances.
Analysis
Structure: head + way
head: from old english 'hēafod' (top of the body, chief part). in this compound, it carries the sense of "front" or "forward".
way: from old english 'weg' (path, road, journey). it denotes a course of travel or movement.
Examples
the rescue team made slow headway through the dense jungle.
trains must maintain a safe headway to avoid collisions.
after weeks of deadlock, negotiations are finally beginning to make some headway.