Hi,

I have read that the word "pavement" in AmE means "road" in BrE. Is this information correct?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Izzy loves you all,

I don't think so, Izzy, although I'm no expert on British usages.

I do know that if you only say the word pavement to Americans, most think first of a sidewalk, which seems to go along with what the British use the word pavement for.

I can also see the word meaning the covered surface of a road, such as is done with asphalt nowadays. After all, the verb meaning to cover a road with a hard material to make driving easy on it is to pave (a road).

quote:

I can also see the word meaning the covered surface of a road, such as is done with asphalt nowadays.

This could be part where they could be equivalent.

What do you think?

'Pavement' does equal 'sidewalk,' as Richard states, according to the LDOCE.

http://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/pavement

quote:

I do know that if you only say the word pavement to Americans, most think first of a sidewalk, which seems to go along with what the British use the word pavement for.

I disagree with that "most think first of a sidewalk." I always think first of asphalt, and I didn't learn the British meaning until quite late, when my British pen pal told me. If I hear the word, I don't interpret it as "sidewalk" unless it's clear from the context.

Please notice that I said MOST, not all.