The difference between a highway and a freeway

[TopAuto]

The difference between a highway and a freeway

While highway and freeway are often used interchangeably, they do have distinct characteristics that warrant the different terminology.

 

[bwana]

Don’t South Africans use the term “motorway” like the British? Freeway and highway seem distinctly American.

 

[capd]

Don’t South Africans use the term “motorway” like the British? Freeway and highway seem distinctly American.

Nope. Highway is the most frequently used term, then, sometimes, freeway. I’ve only ever heard motorway used by British people.

 

[bwana]

Nope. Highway is the most frequently used term, then, sometimes, freeway. I’ve only ever heard motorway used by British people.

Fair enough.

 

[Dan C]

Life is a highway
I wanna ride it all night long
If you're goin' my way
Well, I wanna drive it all night long

 

[FiestaST]

 

[SauRoNZA]

Don’t South Africans use the term “motorway” like the British? Freeway and highway seem distinctly American.

I would say highway is the South African term.

Freeway is indeed very American.

 

[Sinbad]

But this is a highway in the uk:
A highway is a way over which there exists a public right of passage, that is to say a right for all Her [His] Majesty’s subjects at all seasons of the year freely and at their will to pass and repass without let or hindrance.


So pretty much any type of road or path that's public access.

 

[Progenix Oj101]

Interesting that so many people use the term highway locally. I’ve never personally heard it used here.

 

[UB40]

Lived here my entire life and have always used the words highway and freeway. Never once heard anyone say motorway