Why are "streets" called streets?

Question

and "roads" called roads. Is there a difference and if not, why not call them all streets or all roads

Answer 1

That question's already been on here - http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?... - hope the answer clears things up for you.

Answer 2

The difference between streets and roads is arbitrary and changes from locality to locality.  Generally, avenues and boulevards are larger than streets and roads, but that, too, is subject to change at any given location.

Answer 3

A street is a public thoroughfare in the built environment. It is a public parcel of land adjoining buildings in an urban context, on which people may freely assemble, interact, and move about. A street can be as simple as a level patch of dirt, but is more often paved with a hard, durable surface such as concrete, cobblestone or brick. Portions may also be smoothed with asphalt, embedded with rails, or otherwise prepared to accommodate non-pedestrian traffic.

The word "street" is still sometimes used colloquially as a synonym for "road", but city residents and urban planners draw a crucial modern distinction: a road's main function is transportation, while streets facilitate public interaction.[1][2] Examples of streets include pedestrian streets, alleys, and city-centre streets too crowded for road vehicles to pass. Conversely, highways and motorways are types of roads, but few would refer to them as streets.[3][4]

Answer 4

coz thats what they r

Answer 5

i may be wrong but i don't believe there is a reason for this...you could also question why there are avenues and closes...its just one of them things!

Answer 6

According to my on-line Thesaurus, the two words are interchangeable.  In the rural area where I live; however, a road describes the county roads and streets indicate the city ones.

I hope this helps.

Answer 7

thts actually a really good question! star for you:)

Answer 8

maybe roads dont have names sometimes they do but there different cus they aint straight ~~~~and streets r =)

Answer 9

What are ya gonna do, drive on the sidewalk?