Ocean: meaning, definitions and examples

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ocean

 

[ หˆษ™สŠสƒ(ษ™)n ]

Context #1 | Noun

body of water

An ocean is a vast body of salt water that covers almost three-quarters of the Earth's surface. Oceans are divided into different regions based on their depths, temperatures, and marine life. They play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate and are home to a diverse range of ecosystems.

Synonyms

blue, deep, sea.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ocean

Use this word when referring to one of the vast and major bodies of salt water that covers most of the Earth's surface. It is more formal and scientific.

  • The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean on Earth
  • We enjoyed a cruise across the Atlantic Ocean
sea

This refers to a large body of saltwater that is smaller than an ocean and often partially enclosed by land. It can also be used more generally than 'ocean'.

  • We sailed across the Mediterranean Sea
  • The Black Sea is bordered by several countries
deep

Typically used to describe something that has a large distance from the top to the bottom. It can also describe profoundness or intensity.

  • The submarine dived into the deep ocean
  • His voice had a deep, resonant quality
blue

This word describes the color, especially when referring to the sea or sky. It is less specific and more descriptive.

  • The blue sky was clear and bright
  • From the beach, we could see the deep blue sea

Examples of usage

  • The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest ocean on Earth.
  • Marine biologists study the impact of pollution on ocean ecosystems.
  • Ocean currents help distribute heat around the globe.
Context #2 | Noun

endless expanse

The ocean often symbolizes a vast and endless expanse, representing the unknown and mysterious. It is a source of inspiration for artists, writers, and dreamers, evoking feelings of freedom, exploration, and adventure.

Synonyms

expanse, infinity, sea.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ocean

Use 'ocean' to describe the large body of saltwater that covers a significant portion of Earth's surface. It is commonly used in scientific and everyday contexts.

  • The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest of Earth's oceanic divisions.
  • We went on a cruise across the Atlantic Ocean last year.
sea

Use 'sea' to describe a smaller body of saltwater that is partially enclosed by land. It can also be used more casually to describe any large body of saltwater. It is often less formal than 'ocean.'

  • We spent our vacation at the Mediterranean Sea.
  • The captain sailed his ship across the rough seas.
expanse

Use 'expanse' to describe a wide, open area of land, sky, or water. It is often used to emphasize the vastness or openness of an area and can be applied to both literal and figurative contexts.

  • The Sahara Desert is a vast expanse of sand.
  • The expanse of the night sky was filled with countless stars.
infinity

Use 'infinity' to describe something that is limitless, endless, or without bounds. This usage is often more abstract and philosophical, sometimes related to time, space, or numbers.

  • The concept of infinity has fascinated mathematicians for centuries.
  • Looking at the stars made him ponder the infinity of the universe.

Examples of usage

  • She stared out at the ocean, feeling a sense of peace and wonder.
  • The ocean's horizon seemed to stretch on forever, blending with the sky.
  • His mind was like an ocean, full of unexplored depths and hidden treasures.

Translations

Translations of the word "ocean" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น oceano

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเคนเคพเคธเคพเค—เคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Ozean

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ samudra

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะพะบะตะฐะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ocean

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆตทๆด‹ (ใ‹ใ„ใ‚ˆใ†)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท ocรฉan

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ ocรฉano

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท okyanus

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋Œ€์–‘ (daeyang)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุญูŠุท

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ oceรกn

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ oceรกn

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆตทๆด‹ (hวŽiyรกng)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ocean

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ haf

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผาฑั…ะธั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒ™แƒ”แƒแƒœแƒ”

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ okean

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ ocรฉano

Etymology

The word 'ocean' comes from the Old French word 'oceane' and the Latin word 'Oceanus', which refers to the great river or sea surrounding the known world in ancient Greek and Roman mythology. The concept of oceans has evolved over centuries, with early civilizations viewing them as mysterious and dangerous realms. Exploration and trade across oceans have shaped human history and culture, leading to a deeper understanding of these vast bodies of water.

See also: oceanfront, oceanic, oceanography, oceanology.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,922, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.