Embark Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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embark
[ɪmˈbɑːk ]
Definitions
on a journey
To board a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle, typically for a journey.
Synonyms
board, set sail, take off.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| embark |
Used when beginning a journey or adventure, especially by ship or aircraft, often formal.
|
| board |
Commonly used when getting onto a vehicle like a bus, train, plane, or ship.
|
| set sail |
Specifically refers to starting a journey by ship or boat.
|
| take off |
Used when an aircraft begins its flight. Informally, it can also mean to leave quickly.
|
Examples of usage
- I decided to embark on a cruise around the world.
- The passengers were ready to embark on their flight to Paris.
on a new project
To start or engage in a new venture or project.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| embark |
Commonly used to indicate starting a significant journey or venture, often with a sense of adventure or challenge.
|
| commence |
Often used in formal contexts or official settings to indicate the start of an event or process.
|
| begin |
Use in general situations to indicate the start of an action, task, or event.
|
| undertake |
Used to indicate taking on a responsibility, project, or task, often implying a serious or challenging effort.
|
Examples of usage
- The company decided to embark on a new advertising campaign.
- We are about to embark on a new phase of research.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In literature and film, embarking often symbolizes a character's journey toward growth or self-discovery.
- Many famous stories, like 'The Odyssey' or 'The Hobbit,' revolve around characters embarking on epic adventures.
- In modern contexts, the term is also used in business for starting new projects, reflecting innovation and risk.
Psychology
- Starting a new venture can trigger feelings of excitement mixed with anxiety, illustrating the human response to change.
- Studies show that individuals who regularly embark on new experiences tend to have higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction.
- Embarking on journeys can enhance cognitive flexibility, helping individuals adapt to new circumstances.
Exploration History
- Many explorers in history, like Christopher Columbus, are remembered for embarking on journeys that changed worldviews.
- The Age of Exploration was marked by famous expeditions, with the word embodying the spirit of discovery.
- Space agencies use 'embark' to describe missions launching into space, symbolizing humanity's quest for knowledge.
Pop Culture
- In video games, players often embark on quests, where the term represents taking on challenges and adventures.
- Movies like 'Pirates of the Caribbean' prominently feature the term when characters set out on maritime adventures.
- The concept of embarking is a popular theme in songs, reflecting journeys in relationships and life.
Origin of 'embark'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Middle French 'embarquer,' which means to put on a boat.
- Roots trace back to 'en-' meaning 'in' and 'barque,' an old term for a small ship.
- It entered English in the late 15th century, linking travel to boats and ships.
The word 'embark' originated from the French word 'embarquer', which means 'to put or take on board a ship'. It was first used in English in the early 16th century. The prefix 'em-' signifies 'into' or 'on', and 'bark' refers to a ship. Over time, the term broadened to encompass the idea of beginning a journey or project.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranked #12,159, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.
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- 12156 revelations
- 12157 accelerator
- 12158 enrich
- 12159 embark
- 12160 gait
- 12161 attainable
- 12162 pouch
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