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Water is supplied to the tank through the water supply passage/path.

I would like to know "passage" or "path" which is better for the sentence above.

It seems to me that "passage" implies a physical object such as a pipe, whereas "path" implies an abstract object such as a drawn line.

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    Without consulting a dictionary for actual definitions, I think of a path as a trail, a worn route through a landscape or physical feature. A path is often a natural occurring feature created by the passage of travelers. I think of a passage as a passageway, a manmade portal allowing entry into a physical space. I don't think either of your supplied options works.
    – EllieK
    Jan 26, 2022 at 21:24
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    They are both bad. Water is supplied to a tank through a hose, through a pipe. For example.
    – Lambie
    Jan 26, 2022 at 21:32
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    What about a "channel"?
    – rama9
    Jan 26, 2022 at 22:49

1 Answer 1

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A path is just a route between two places. A passage is usually long, narrow, and partially or fully enclosed, for example between two buildings: when used about water, it is usually a channel that boats can pass along.

A native English speaker would use the appropriate word to describe the structure of the route. Here are a few examples: you can find many more by looking for synonyms.

  • pipe - a tube, normally manufactured somewhere other than where it is installed
  • culvert - man-made, covered
  • channel - open, natural or man-made
  • aqueduct - elevated, open, man made

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