give way

To break or collapse because of weight or pressure.

• The old chair gave way.
• His knees gave way as he stood up.
• The roof could give way under the weight of the snow.

How to use it: give way under something (The shelf gave way under the weight of the books.)

Similar words: collapse, break, buckle

Common phrases: give way beneath someone, give way under pressure

You wait and allow another driver or person walking to pass before you.

• You must give way here.
• We gave way to a bus.
• Do cars give way to people at this crossing?

How to use it: give way to someone/something (Drivers must give way to cyclists here.)

Similar words: yield

Common phrases: give way to pedestrians, give way to traffic

To finally agree to something after someone keeps asking or trying to persuade you.

• She begged until he gave way.
• The manager finally gave way to our requests.
• Will they give way under pressure from the public?

How to use it: give way to someone/something (He gave way to their demands after a long discussion.)

Similar words: give in, yield

Opposites: resist

Common phrases: give way to someone, give way under pressure

To disappear or become less important as something else takes its place.

• Winter gave way to spring.
• Their initial excitement soon gave way to worry.
• Old farming methods are giving way to modern technology.

How to use it: give way to something (Her anger gave way to relief.)

Similar words: be replaced by, make way for

Common phrases: give way to something, gradually give way

You stop speaking briefly so another person can ask a question or make a point.

• Will you give way?
• She gave way so I could ask a question.
• The speaker refused to give way during the debate.

How to use it: give way to someone (The minister gave way to another member.)

Similar words: yield the floor

Common phrases: give way briefly, give way to someone

You stop holding back a strong feeling and allow yourself to express it.

• He gave way to tears.
• She would not give way to despair.
• After the funeral, I finally gave way to grief.

How to use it: give way to something (Alone at last, she gave way to tears.)

Similar words: yield to, give in to

Opposites: resist

Common phrases: give way to grief, give way to tears