doorway
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /dˈɔːweɪ/
US
- /ˈdɔrˌweɪ/
Description
- entrance
- opening
- way in
- threshold
- passage
A doorway is not just the door itself; it is the opening in a wall that lets you go from one place to another. Think of it as a threshold between spaces, even if those spaces are simply your living room and hallway. It can be grand and ornate, welcoming you into a palace, or plain and simple, leading to a cozy cottage. It is more than a frame; it marks the way into what lies beyond.
Sometimes, "doorway" is used figuratively. An opportunity might be described as a doorway to success, meaning it is a chance to move closer to your goals. Imagine Alice stepping through the tiny doorway into the enchanted garden. It was not just an opening in a wall; it was a way into adventure.
A doorway is the opening where a door stands, or the entrance that connects one room, building, or space to another. It is not simply the door itself, but the part of a wall or entrance area that marks the move from one place into the next. Think of the grand oak doorway leading into Hogwarts in the Harry Potter books: it feels imposing and magical, and it sets the tone for everything inside.
Doorways can be simple arches, decorative frames, or even open spaces with no door attached. They serve practical purposes by allowing people to pass through spaces, and they can also provide privacy when a door is there. At the same time, they often carry symbolic meaning. A doorway can represent a new beginning, an opportunity, or a moment of change. We talk about standing "in the doorway" of a new phase in life when we mean that change is very close.
Historically, doorways have been important parts of architecture, often showing the style and status of a building. Elaborate entrances were common in ancient temples and palaces, showing importance and power. Even today, the design of a doorway can tell you a lot about the character of a home or building.
Figuratively, "doorway" can represent an opportunity or a possibility. If someone says, "This new job is a doorway to a fulfilling career," they mean it opens the way to progress. It is a strong metaphor for any point of entry into something new. So, whether you are physically walking through one or figuratively moving toward a goal, a doorway suggests passage, possibility, and the sense that something new is waiting ahead.
Examples
- 1
Entering a room
She was standing in the doorway when I came in.
- 2
Access
Please keep the doorway clear.
- 3
Appearance
A tall man appeared in the doorway and called my name.
- 4
Architecture
The old house has narrow doorways and low ceilings.
- 5
Opportunity
For her, that first job was a doorway to a better life.
Pattern
doorway to + opportunity
something that gives you access to it
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- doorwaynoun
Forms
- doorwayspluralnoun