Abroad: meaning, definitions and examples

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abroad

[əˈbrɔːd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

travel

In or to a foreign country or countries.

Synonyms

externally, internationally, overseas.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
abroad	Used when talking about traveling or living in a foreign country. This word is commonly used in both casual and formal settings. She studied abroad for one semester in France. I'm planning to travel abroad next summer.
overseas	Commonly used when referring to traveling, living, or doing business across the sea, often in a specific foreign country or region. It has a slightly informal tone but can be used in formal contexts as well. My brother lives overseas in Japan. The company is expanding its operations overseas.
internationally	Used when discussing activities, events, or relationships that involve multiple countries. Suitable for formal and professional contexts. The company operates internationally, with offices in 15 countries. He is known internationally for his research in renewable energy.
externally	Typically used in professional or technical contexts to describe something occurring outside of an organization or system. They sought advice externally to improve their business strategy. The problem needs to be solved externally, as it's beyond our internal capabilities.

Examples of usage

She has studied abroad in Spain.
He enjoys traveling abroad to explore new cultures.
We plan to go abroad next summer.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

education

Of a place or university, in a foreign country.

Synonyms

foreign, international, overseas.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
abroad	Used when talking about being in or traveling to another country from the perspective of home. Often used in a personal context. She spent a year studying abroad in France. I have never been abroad.
foreign	Used to describe something or someone that comes from another country. It often has a neutral or slightly formal tone but can occasionally have negative connotations. He has a lot of foreign friends. It's a foreign concept to me.
international	Used when referring to something that involves multiple countries. Commonly found in formal contexts such as business, law, or education. The company has an international presence. She is studying international relations.
overseas	Often used when referring to countries separated by oceans or large bodies of water, especially from the perspective of someone in the U.S. or Europe. It's mostly used in discussions about work, military, or trade. His job requires him to travel overseas. They are expanding their business overseas.

Examples of usage

She applied to an abroad program in Japan.
He received his degree from an abroad institution.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'abroad' comes from a combination of 'a' (meaning 'in the direction of') and 'broads' (meaning 'wide' or 'spreading'), suggesting the idea of spreading outwards.
It has been used in English since the 15th century, relating to the sense of being spread out over a large area, particularly when talking about travel.
Originally, the term was often used to describe people who were 'away from home' whether temporarily or permanently.

Travel and Culture

Traveling abroad can provide an opportunity to experience different cultures, languages, and cuisines that enrich people's understanding of the world.
Study abroad programs have become popular in many universities, allowing students to gain educational experiences in international settings.
The concept of 'abroad' often relates to the idea of discovering new perspectives and lifestyles, which can be transformative for many travelers.

History

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, going abroad became more accessible with advancements in transportation, such as steamships and railroads.
Many historical figures, like writers and artists, sought inspiration from their travels abroad, leading to the fusion of different artistic styles.
The age of exploration in the 15th century helped to popularize the notion of going abroad, as explorers brought back knowledge and goods from new lands.

Psychology

Research suggests that experiences abroad can lead to increased empathy, adaptability, and personal growth due to immersion in different cultural contexts.
Traveling abroad can help individuals develop a global mindset, which is essential in an increasingly interconnected world.
Psychologists note that stepping out of one's comfort zone by going to another country can lead to greater resilience and self-confidence.

Pop Culture

Numerous movies and books celebrate the theme of traveling abroad, often portraying characters who undergo significant personal transformations.
Popular songs often reference adventures abroad, capturing the excitement and allure of exploring new places.
Television shows about culture and travel have grown in popularity, showing audiences the vast diversity of life around the world.

Translations

Translations of the word "abroad" in other languages:

🇵🇹 no exterior

🇮🇳 विदेश

🇩🇪 im Ausland

🇮🇩 di luar negeri

🇺🇦 за кордоном

🇵🇱 za granicą

🇯🇵 海外

🇫🇷 à l'étranger

🇪🇸 en el extranjero

🇹🇷 yurtdışında

🇰🇷 해외에

🇸🇦 في الخارج

🇨🇿 v zahraničí

🇸🇰 v zahraničí

🇨🇳 在国外

🇸🇮 v tujini

🇮🇸 erlendis

🇰🇿 шетелде

🇬🇪 სამშობლოს გარეთ

🇦🇿 xaricdə

🇲🇽 en el extranjero

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,370, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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