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Circumnavigation: meaning, definitions and examples

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circumnavigation

 

[ˌsɜːrkəmˌnævɪˈɡeɪʃən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

travel

The act of sailing or flying all the way around something, especially the world.

Synonyms

global journey, navigation, traveling around.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
circumnavigation

Same as above; this appears to be a repeat entry.

  • Magellan’s circumnavigation of the globe was a monumental achievement.
  • His dream was to achieve circumnavigation of the Earth.
navigation

This word is used to describe the process or activity of accurately determining one's position and planning and following a route. It is often associated with travel by sea or air.

  • Good navigation is crucial for a successful sailing trip.
  • Modern navigation systems have made it much easier to travel in unfamiliar areas.
traveling around

This phrase is commonly used in informal conversation to describe the act of moving from place to place, particularly for leisure or exploration.

  • They spent the summer traveling around Europe.
  • I enjoy traveling around different countries and experiencing new cultures.
global journey

This phrase is used to describe a trip that takes someone all around the world. It can be used in both formal and informal settings, often implying a more adventurous or extensive trip.

  • Their global journey took them to over 30 countries in just six months.
  • The novel tells the story of a young woman embarking on a global journey to find herself.

Examples of usage

  • The first successful circumnavigation of the globe was completed by Ferdinand Magellan in the 16th century.
  • Amelia Earhart attempted to become the first woman to achieve a solo circumnavigation of the Earth.
  • Circumnavigation requires careful planning and preparation to ensure a safe journey.
  • Many explorers throughout history have embarked on daring circumnavigation expeditions.
  • The concept of circumnavigation has fascinated adventurers and scholars for centuries.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word comes from Latin, where 'circum' means 'around' and 'navigare' means 'to sail'.
  • Famous explorer Ferdinand Magellan led the first successful circumnavigation of the Earth in the early 1500s.
  • Many ancient civilizations had concepts of circumnavigation, though limited by their geographical knowledge and technology.

Exploration

  • Before Magellan, Vikings and Indigenous peoples explored vast areas of the ocean, often covering great distances over time.
  • In 1898, the first successful circumnavigation by a motorized vehicle was completed, paving the way for modern exploration.
  • In the 20th century, aviation made circumnavigation faster and more accessible, altering global travel patterns.

Literature

  • Jules Verne's famous novel 'Around the World in Eighty Days' captures the spirit of embarking on a journey to circle the globe.
  • Many adventurers' tales reflect the excitement and challenges faced during historical circumnavigations.
  • In literary symbolism, circumnavigation often represents a journey of self-discovery, as well as exploration.

Science

  • Circumnavigation ties into Earth's rotation, impacting navigation techniques using celestial bodies.
  • The concept plays a significant role in studies about climate, as circumnavigating ocean currents affects weather systems.
  • Satellite technology allows modern scientists to virtually circumnavigate the globe, enhancing our understanding of Earth's geography.

Pop Culture

  • In the digital age, many people virtually circumnavigate the Earth through travel vlogs and documentaries.
  • Circumnavigation challenges and races often feature in adventure shows and movies, popularizing the daring journey.
  • Video games themed around exploration often include elements of circumnavigation, thrilling players with vast worlds to discover.

Translations

Translations of the word "circumnavigation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 circum-navegação

🇮🇳 परिक्रमा

🇩🇪 Umsegelung

🇮🇩 pelayaran mengelilingi

🇺🇦 циркумнавігація

🇵🇱 okrężna podróż

🇯🇵 周航

🇫🇷 circumnavigation

🇪🇸 circunnavegación

🇹🇷 dünya seyahati

🇰🇷 세계 일주

🇸🇦 الطواف حول العالم

🇨🇿 obplutí

🇸🇰 oboplávanie

🇨🇳 环航

🇸🇮 obplutje

🇮🇸 sigling umhverfis

🇰🇿 айнала жүзу

🇬🇪 მსოფლიოს გარშემო მცურავი

🇦🇿 dünya turu

🇲🇽 circunnavegación

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,124 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.