Travelled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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travelled

[ˈtræv.əld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

The word 'travelled' is the past tense of the verb 'travel', which means to go from one place to another, typically over a distance of some length. It can imply movement by various means such as foot, vehicle, or air. In a broader sense, travelling can involve exploring new destinations, cultures, or experiences. This conveys not just the act of movement, but also an experiential journey that can enrich an individual's life. The British English variant of 'traveled' adds an extra 'l' to emphasize the action in its past form.

Synonyms

journeyed, migrated, tread, ventured.

Examples of usage

  • I travelled across Europe last summer.
  • She travelled by train to visit her family.
  • They have travelled to many countries around the world.
  • He travelled frequently for his job.
  • We travelled together for a month-long adventure.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • The concept of travel dates back to ancient civilizations, where trade routes like the Silk Road connected distant cultures.
  • During the Age of Exploration, European explorers traveled vast distances, discovering new lands and trade opportunities.
  • The invention of the steam engine in the 19th century revolutionized travel, making it faster and more accessible to the masses.

Science

  • Travel affects time perception; for example, while moving at very high speeds, time seems to slow down according to Einstein's theory of relativity.
  • Studies show that frequent travel can enhance cognitive flexibility, helping people adapt to new situations and cultures.
  • Air travel has a significant impact on the global carbon footprint, prompting discussions about sustainable travel options.

Culture

  • Travel has a profound influence on art, inspiring works by famous painters like Van Gogh, who documented his travels in his paintings.
  • Cuisines around the world often showcase the influence of historic travel, with spices and flavors mixing from different regions.
  • Festivals like Rio Carnival and Oktoberfest have evolved as cultural expressions that attract travelers globally.

Psychology

  • Traveling can improve mental health, as new experiences and environments help reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Research indicates that planning a trip can increase happiness levels, even before the actual traveling begins.
  • Experiencing different cultures through travel can enhance empathy and understanding of diverse human experiences.

Origin of 'travelled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'travailler', which means to work hard or toil, suggesting that earlier journeys were often arduous.
  • In Middle English, the term was spelled as 'travailed', linking it to the effort involved in journeys.
  • The double 'l' in 'travelled' is common in British English, while American English typically uses the single 'l' in 'traveled'.

The word 'travel' originates from the Old French word 'travail', meaning 'to toil, to work' in the context of arduous journeys. This French term itself derives from the Latin word 'tripalium', which referred to a tool for torture, underscoring the hardships historically associated with long journeys. The transition from these roots to the modern sense of 'travel' reflects a cultural shift, where the focus has moved from the difficulties of movement to the enrichment and enjoyment derived from exploring new places. The word evolved over centuries, with variations like 'travailler' in French, and gained its current meaning around the 15th century. The British English form 'travelled' with a double 'l' is a distinct aspect of British spelling that diverges from American English, which typically uses a single 'l'. Throughout history, travel has been an essential part of human experience, encompassing migration, exploration, and commerce, shaping societies and cultures across the globe.


Word Frequency Rank

At #6,909 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.