A path is the name of a file’s directory, which specifies a unique location in a file system. Whereas, the PATH system variable ($PATH), specifies a set of directories where executable programs are located. This allows software applications to access commonly executed programs.

https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/configuring-the-path-system-variable/all

https://alistapart.com/article/the-path-to-enlightenment/