What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
circumvented
Example
The clever thief circumvented the security system and gained access to the building. [circumvented: past tense]
Example
She managed to circumvent the traffic by taking a back road. [circumvent: verb]
bypass
Example
We took a bypass to avoid the heavy traffic on the main road. [bypass: noun]
Example
He decided to bypass the usual approval process and go directly to the manager. [bypass: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bypass is more commonly used than circumvented in everyday language. Bypass is a more familiar term and can be used in both formal and informal situations, while circumvented is less common and often used in more specific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between circumvented and bypass?
While circumvented is typically associated with a more formal tone, bypass is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.