Expedition: meaning, definitions and examples
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expedition
[ˌɛkspɪˈdɪʃ(ə)n ]
Definitions
journey
An expedition is a journey undertaken by a group of people with a particular purpose, especially that of exploration, scientific research, or war.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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expedition |
Used when referring to a group trip with a specific purpose or aim, often scientific or exploratory.
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journey |
General term for traveling from one place to another, often long and sometimes difficult.
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voyage |
Specifically used for long trips, especially by sea or in space.
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mission |
Refers to a trip or task often with a specific goal or purpose, sometimes used in a religious, military, or space context.
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Examples of usage
- The expedition to the North Pole was a challenging and exciting adventure.
- The archaeological expedition uncovered ancient artifacts buried deep underground.
- The expedition to the remote mountain peak required months of preparation and training.
military
In military terms, an expedition is a military operation designed to achieve a specific objective, such as capturing a strategic location or eliminating a threat.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
expedition |
Typically refers to a journey or voyage undertaken by a group of people with a particular purpose, especially exploration, research, or adventure.
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operation |
Typically used in contexts involving organized activities directed towards a specific objective, often in military, surgical, or complex logistical tasks.
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campaign |
Usually refers to a planned series of actions aimed at achieving a specific goal, often in the contexts of military, political, or commercial strategies.
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mission |
Often used to describe a special assignment given to a person or group, which can be of military, diplomatic, humanitarian, or religious nature.
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Examples of usage
- The special forces conducted a covert expedition to rescue hostages behind enemy lines.
- The naval expedition successfully intercepted the enemy's supply routes.
- The expeditionary force was deployed to secure the border.
business
In business, an expedition refers to a trip or journey undertaken for commercial purposes, such as exploring new markets or conducting research.
Synonyms
business trip, exploration, research trip.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
expedition |
Used for a journey undertaken for a specific purpose, often of discovery or scientific research, typically over a long distance.
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business trip |
Refers to travel undertaken for work-related purposes, usually for meetings, conferences, or site visits.
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exploration |
Denotes the act of traveling through an unfamiliar area to learn about it, often for discovery or adventure.
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research trip |
Specifically used for trips made to gather data or conduct field studies, often academic or scientific in nature.
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Examples of usage
- The company organized an expedition to China to explore potential business opportunities.
- The marketing team went on an expedition to gather consumer insights in different regions.
- The expedition to the trade fair was a great success, resulting in new partnerships.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'expedition' comes from the Latin 'expeditio', which means 'to set free' or 'a progress' that reflects a journey with purpose.
- The prefix 'ex-' means 'out of' or 'from', while 'ped' relates to 'foot', indicating movement away from a starting point.
Historical Significance
- In the early 20th century, famed explorers like Ernest Shackleton undertook expeditions to Antarctica, showcasing human perseverance in harsh conditions.
- The Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804–1806) was significant for mapping the newly acquired western territories of the U.S. after the Louisiana Purchase.
Pop Culture
- In movies, expeditions often feature thrilling adventures, like in 'Indiana Jones' or 'Jumanji', highlighting both challenges and discoveries.
- Video games like 'Uncharted' revolve around characters going on adventures that mimic real-life expeditions, blending history with fictional quests.
Science
- Scientific expeditions often seek to gather data and conduct research, such as oceanographic studies that explore the depths of the oceans.
- Astrobiology expeditions, like those to Mars, aim to find evidence of life beyond Earth, pushing the boundaries of what we know.
Literature
- Many classic novels, such as 'Moby Dick', feature expeditions that reflect deeper themes of purpose and humanity's quest for understanding.
- Jules Verne's 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' encapsulates the spirit of adventure found in expeditions, inspiring generations of readers.
Translations
Translations of the word "expedition" in other languages:
🇵🇹 expedição
🇮🇳 अभियान
🇩🇪 Expedition
🇮🇩 ekspedisi
🇺🇦 експедиція
🇵🇱 ekspedycja
🇯🇵 探検 (たんけん)
🇫🇷 expédition
🇪🇸 expedición
🇹🇷 sefer
🇰🇷 원정
🇸🇦 حملة
🇨🇿 expedice
🇸🇰 expedícia
🇨🇳 探险 (tànxiǎn)
🇸🇮 ekspedicija
🇮🇸 leiðangur
🇰🇿 экспедиция
🇬🇪 ექსპედიცია
🇦🇿 ekspedisiya
🇲🇽 expedición
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #4,116, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.
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- 4113 rating
- 4114 reception
- 4115 respecting
- 4116 expedition
- 4117 exploration
- 4118 withdrawn
- 4119 stroke
- ...