Baggage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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baggage

[หˆbรฆษกษชdส’ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

at the airport

Personal belongings packed in suitcases for traveling; luggage.

Synonyms

belongings, luggage, suitcases.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
baggage

Commonly used to refer to all the bags and items someone is traveling with. It can also refer to emotional burdens, often with a negative connotation.

  • Please make sure your baggage is under the weight limit.
  • She has a lot of emotional baggage from her past.
luggage

Specifically refers to the bags, suitcases, and other containers people use to carry their items when traveling.

  • The airline lost my luggage.
  • He packed his luggage the night before the flight.
suitcases

Refers specifically to large, often rectangular bags with handles used for carrying clothes and other items while traveling.

  • She bought two new suitcases for her trip to Europe.
  • His suitcases were too heavy to carry up the stairs.
belongings

Used to describe all personal items someone owns, regardless of whether they are traveling or staying in one place.

  • She packed all her belongings before moving to a new house.
  • Please don't forget your belongings on the train.

Examples of usage

  • Please make sure to check in your baggage before boarding the plane.
  • The airline lost my baggage on the flight to London.
Context #2 | Noun

emotional

Emotional burdens or unresolved issues that one carries with them.

Synonyms

burdens, issues.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
baggage

Used metaphorically to describe emotional or psychological burdens carried from past experiences.

  • He has a lot of emotional baggage from his previous relationships.
  • Her childhood trauma left her with significant baggage.
burdens

Used to describe heavy responsibilities or difficulties that weigh down a person. It has a negative connotation.

  • He felt the burdens of running a household on his own.
  • The financial burdens made it hard for her to sleep at night.
issues

Used to talk about problems or concerns in a variety of contexts, such as personal, social, or technical difficulties.

  • She has severe trust issues due to past betrayals.
  • The software has some performance issues that need to be fixed.

Examples of usage

  • She found it hard to let go of her emotional baggage from past relationships.
  • Talking to a therapist helped him unpack his emotional baggage.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, 'baggage' can symbolize the emotional weight people bring into relationships, sparking conversations about self-care and healing.
  • Films and literature often use 'baggage' to represent a characterโ€™s past, reflecting how experiences influence personal identity.
  • Some cultures use the metaphor of 'baggage' to encourage personal growth, suggesting that unloading emotional burdens can lead to a freer and more fulfilled life.

Travel and Transport

  • Airlines have specific weight limits and fees for checked baggage, highlighting its importance in travel logistics.
  • In the 19th century, train travel popularized the use of the term, as passengers carried larger amounts of luggage compared to coach travel.
  • Today, 'carry-on baggage' is a key selling point for airlines, emphasizing convenience and the trend toward minimalism in travel.

Psychology

  • In psychology, the term is used to describe emotional burdens, often referred to in therapy as 'emotional baggage.'
  • People can develop coping strategies to help deal with their 'baggage,' aiding in personal growth and emotional resilience.
  • Conversations around mental health often address 'baggage' as a common human experience, promoting understanding and empathy.

Literature

  • Authors often use 'baggage' as a metaphor for past challenges or trauma, shaping character development and plots.
  • In classic literature, characters frequently confront their 'baggage' in their journey towards self-discovery and growth.
  • Poetry frequently explores the theme of 'baggage,' symbolizing the weight of memories and experiences that shape our identities.

Origin of 'baggage'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Late Middle English word 'bagge,' which referred to a sack or pouch.
  • Originally, it described the personal belongings of a traveler, and over time, it expanded to metaphorical meanings.
  • In the 1700s, 'baggage' started to be used figuratively to refer to emotional or psychological burdens.

The word 'baggage' originated in the late 16th century from the Old French word 'bagage', meaning 'bag' or 'baggage'. Over time, it evolved to encompass both physical and emotional belongings. The term 'baggage' has been used in the context of travel and emotional well-being, highlighting the dual nature of the word.


See also: bag, baggy, bagpipe, bags.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,901 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.