Journey: meaning, definitions and examples

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journey

[ˈdʒɜːrni ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

life

A journey is the process of travelling from one place to another, especially when a long distance is involved. It can also refer to a figurative journey, such as personal growth or development.

Synonyms

expedition, travel, trip, voyage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
journey	A 'journey' typically refers to the process of traveling from one place to another, especially when it takes a long time or is difficult. The journey through the mountains was exhausting. It has been a long journey, but we finally arrived.
trip	A 'trip' usually refers to a short journey to a destination and back, usually for leisure or a brief purpose. Our weekend trip to the beach was fantastic. I have a business trip to New York next week.
voyage	A 'voyage' specifically refers to a long journey involving travel by sea or in space. It has a sense of adventure or exploration. The voyage across the Atlantic was treacherous. They embarked on a voyage to discover new lands.
travel	'Travel' is a general term for the act of moving from place to place. It doesn't necessarily imply a long distance or specific purpose. I love to travel and experience new cultures. Her job requires her to travel frequently.
expedition	An 'expedition' implies a longer trip organized for a specific purpose, often for exploration, research, or adventure. It also has a connotation of being well planned and involving a group of people. He joined a scientific expedition to study the Arctic. The expedition to the summit took several weeks.

Examples of usage

She embarked on a journey around the world.
The journey of self-discovery is an important part of life.
The journey to success is often filled with obstacles.
Each journey begins with a single step.
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

progress

To journey means to travel from one place to another. It can also refer to the process of making progress or advancing towards a goal.

Synonyms

advance, move, progress, travel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
journey	Use 'journey' when referring to a long trip from one place to another, often involving travel over a considerable distance or time. This word can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Her journey to the mountains took several days. The journey to self-discovery can be challenging.
travel	Use 'travel' to discuss the act of moving from one place to another, usually over a considerable distance, either for pleasure, work, or other purposes. It is typically associated with leisure or necessary long-distance movement. We plan to travel to Europe this summer. His job requires him to travel frequently.
move	Use 'move' for describing both physical movement from one place to another and metaphorical shifts. It generally implies a change of position or state. They decided to move to a bigger house. Her speech moved the audience deeply.
progress	Use 'progress' when discussing the development or improvement in a particular area over time, often implying steady improvement or forward movement in non-physical contexts. He is making good progress in his recovery. The project has shown significant progress over the last month.
advance	Employ 'advance' when describing moving forward or making progress towards a specific goal or objective. This term is frequently used in contexts involving technology, science, or any pre-planned activity. Recent advances in technology have changed the way we communicate. The troops managed to advance several miles despite heavy resistance.

Examples of usage

They journeyed across the desert.
The company journeyed towards success.
She journeyed through hardship to achieve her dreams.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'journey' comes from the Old French 'journée', which means 'a day's travel'.
In the Middle Ages, 'journey' referred specifically to travel that would take a day.
The root 'jour' in 'journey' also relates to the Latin 'diurnus', which means daily.

Cultural Significance

Journeys are central themes in many cultures' folklore and mythology, representing life's path and trials.
In literature, journeys symbolize personal growth and transformation, often leading characters to discover their true selves.
The concept of a journey can be spiritual, as many religions view life's journey as a path toward enlightenment or fulfillment.

Literature

Many classic novels, such as 'The Odyssey' and 'The Lord of the Rings', revolve around epic journeys undertaken by heroic characters.
The term 'Bildungsroman' refers to a coming-of-age story that often includes a physical journey reflecting the protagonist's growth.
Journey-themed poetry, like Robert Frost's 'The Road Not Taken', explores choices and their implications in life.

Psychology

Psychologically, a journey can be a metaphor for change and personal development, marking life's milestones.
Therapeutic practices sometimes use journey metaphors in counseling to help individuals process their emotional or psychological transitions.
A 'mental journey' can refer to introspective processes, where an individual explores thoughts and feelings.

Pop Culture

In video games, journeying is often a key gameplay element, allowing players to explore vast worlds and complete quests.
Movies like 'Up' and 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' emphasize physical journeys mirroring emotional experiences.
Music often describes journeys, such as in songs that tell stories about travel, self-discovery, or longing for home.

Translations

Translations of the word "journey" in other languages:

🇵🇹 jornada

🇮🇳 यात्रा

🇩🇪 Reise

🇮🇩 perjalanan

🇺🇦 подорож

🇵🇱 podróż

🇯🇵 旅 (たび)

🇫🇷 voyage

🇪🇸 viaje

🇹🇷 yolculuk

🇰🇷 여행 (여행)

🇸🇦 رحلة

🇨🇿 cesta

🇸🇰 cesta

🇨🇳 旅程 (lǚchéng)

🇸🇮 potovanje

🇮🇸 ferðalag

🇰🇿 саяхат

🇬🇪 მოგზაურობა

🇦🇿 səyahət

🇲🇽 viaje

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,560, 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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2557 voltage
2558 proposals
2559 successfully
2560 journey
2561 plays
2562 obviously
2563 fingers
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