Traversable

Traversable, in its essence, describes something that can be passed over, across, or through. It signifies the possibility of moving from one point to another along a designated route, whether that route is physical, abstract, or conceptual. The term implies an inherent accessibility or the capability of being journeyed upon. This property can apply to geographical landscapes like trails or rivers, as well as less tangible entities such as data structures in computer science, or abstract spaces within thought experiments. The 'traversability' is often linked to the design or nature of the environment or system being described, and whether it can be followed with relative ease or with significant obstacles.

Traversable meaning with examples

• The hikers found the newly constructed trail incredibly traversable, navigating the gentle slopes and well-placed switchbacks with ease. They enjoyed the ease with which they made their way through the forested area, allowing for a pleasant journey. This smooth traversal of the terrain was a welcomed development compared to earlier, rugged journeys, providing access for all skill levels.
• The software engineer ensured that the linked list data structure was easily traversable. Each element pointed to the next, allowing a straightforward and efficient process to access and modify each piece of data. The engineer emphasized the importance of this ease of access to allow for optimal performance and overall code functionality.
• During the design phase, urban planners considered the city’s road network’s traversability by analyzing traffic flow and ease of travel, considering pedestrian and bicycle lanes in addition to car use. The plans focused on minimizing travel time and improving connectivity by updating previously congested zones, aiming for improved traffic management.
• The philosopher considered the traversability of an argument – whether each step logically followed from the previous, allowing the audience to follow the line of reasoning. Each phase needed to be understood independently but also as one step in the bigger scheme, ensuring the ability to comprehend the full scope of a particular argument.