Travelling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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travelling

[ˈtrævəlɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

around the world

The activity of going from one place to another, especially to a distant place.

Synonyms

exploring, journeying, touring.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
travelling

General term for moving from one place to another, often for work, vacation, or visiting family.

  • She loves travelling to new countries.
  • I spend a lot of my time travelling for business.
journeying

Often used in a more poetic or literary sense to describe the act of traveling, usually implying a lengthy or significant trip.

  • He spent years journeying through remote parts of Asia.
  • Their journeying was full of unexpected adventures.
exploring

Investigating or discovering new places, cultures, or experiences with a sense of adventure.

  • They spent the afternoon exploring the old castle.
  • Exploring new cities is my favorite hobby.
touring

Traveling to multiple locations, especially as part of a planned itinerary or guided tour.

  • They are touring Europe this summer.
  • The band will be touring the United States next year.

Examples of usage

  • I love travelling and exploring new cultures.
  • Travelling is a great way to broaden your horizons.
Context #2 | Verb

to different countries

The action of moving from one place to another, especially to different countries.

Synonyms

exploring, journeying, touring.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
travelling

Used when referring generally to the act of moving from one place to another, especially over a long distance.

  • She loves travelling to different countries every summer
  • He has been travelling for work a lot lately
journeying

Used when referring to making a long and often arduous trip, emphasizing the experience or hardships faced during the trip. This word generally carries a more literary or poetic tone.

  • They were journeying through the desert for weeks
  • His book tells the story of a man journeying across the Arctic
exploring

Used when referring to investigating or discovering new places or things, often with a sense of adventure and curiosity.

  • They spent the day exploring the ancient ruins
  • She enjoys exploring new cuisines whenever she visits a new city
touring

Used when referring to visiting multiple places, especially as part of a planned itinerary, often for leisure or cultural experience.

  • They went touring around Europe last summer
  • The band is currently touring several cities to promote their new album

Examples of usage

  • She enjoys travelling to exotic locations.
  • Travelling allows you to experience new things.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, travelling is seen as a rite of passage, where individuals discover their identity and worldview.
  • Festivals around the world often encourage travel, such as Carnaval in Brazil or Diwali in India, where people gather from different regions.
  • Traveling legacy sites, like ancient trade routes, connect cultures and promote exchange of ideas, food, and art.

Science

  • Studies show that traveling can have significant mental health benefits, such as reducing stress and enhancing creativity.
  • Research indicates that experiencing new environments can lead to improved problem-solving skills.
  • Traveling has been linked to longevity, as individuals who travel frequently tend to maintain healthier lifestyles.

Psychology

  • The anticipation of travel can boost happiness levels, creating excitement and positive emotions before the journey begins.
  • Travel experiences often lead to greater satisfaction when they involve social connections, such as meeting new people.
  • Post-travel, people usually reflect on their trips positively, often leading to lasting memories and a sense of fulfillment.

Literature

  • Many classic novels, like 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn', revolve around journeys and personal growth related to travel.
  • Travel-themed poetry often explores themes of discovery, introspection, and the beauty of different landscapes.
  • Travel writings from authors like Mark Twain and Bill Bryson share humorous, reflective, and insightful perspectives on various places.

Origin of 'travelling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'travelling' comes from the Old French word 'travailler', which means to work or toil.
  • Historically, 'travail' referred to the struggles faced during journeys, emphasizing the effort involved in travel.
  • In Middle English, the word also meant moving often, highlighting how journeys were once challenging and lengthy.

The word 'travelling' has its origins in the Middle English word 'travaylen', which came from the Old French word 'travailler', meaning 'to toil or labor'. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to the act of journeying from one place to another. Travelling has been an essential part of human history, facilitating trade, exploration, and cultural exchange.


See also: travel, traveler, travelers, traveling, traveller, travellers, travels.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,421 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.