Definition
Used in the phrase "a través de" to mean through, across, or by means of something.
Example
Caminamos a través del bosque hasta el río.
Show translation
We walked through the forest to the river.
Etymology
From Old Spanish "través," derived from Latin *transversum* ("turned across"), from *trans-* ("across") + *vertere* ("to turn"). The same Latin root gives English "traverse" and "transverse."
Cultural note
"A través de" is one of the most versatile prepositional phrases in Spanish, covering physical movement ("through the door"), time ("through the centuries"), and means ("through social media" → *a través de las redes sociales*). Don't confuse it with "a través" alone, which is rarely used without "de." Also watch out for the accent: *través* always carries the written accent on the final syllable.