Trek: meaning, definitions and examples

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trek

[trɛk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

hiking

A long, adventurous journey undertaken on foot, especially in mountainous or remote areas.

Synonyms

expedition, hike, journey.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
trek	Usually used to describe a long and difficult walk, often in tough terrain such as mountains or forests. It conveys a sense of adventure and challenge. The family went on a trek through the Himalayas. It was a tough trek, but the views were worth it.
hike	Describes a long walk, usually in the countryside or on trails. It's often less challenging than a trek and is a popular form of recreational activity. They went for a hike in the national park last weekend. We've planned a hike up the local mountain.
expedition	Refers to a journey undertaken for a specific purpose, often scientific, military, or exploratory. It is usually organized and planned in advance. The scientists conducted an expedition to the Arctic to study climate change. He joined an expedition to explore the ruins of an ancient civilization.
journey	A general term for traveling from one place to another, which can be used for any mode of transportation and any distance. It often highlights the experience or process of traveling rather than the destination. She enjoyed her journey across Europe by train. His journey from home to school takes about an hour.

Examples of usage

We went on a challenging trek through the Himalayas.
She completed a five-day trek in the Andes.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

travel

To make a long and often difficult journey, typically on foot.

Synonyms

hike, journey, march.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
trek	Trek is typically used to describe a long and difficult journey, often on foot and through rough terrain. It implies a challenging and adventurous experience. The group embarked on a trek through the Himalayas. After a six-hour trek, they finally reached the summit.
hike	Hike generally refers to a long walk, usually in the countryside or on trails, primarily for pleasure or exercise. It is less intense compared to trekking. We went for a hike in the forest over the weekend. She enjoys hiking in the mountains during her vacations.
journey	Journey is a broad term for traveling from one place to another, which can include various modes of transport and doesn't necessarily imply difficulty. It focuses more on the travel itself. Their journey across Europe was filled with exciting experiences. The journey from New York to Los Angeles takes about six hours by plane.
march	March often refers to a processional walk with a purpose, such as military movements or protests. It implies a more organized and purposeful walk. The soldiers began their march early in the morning. There was a large march downtown to advocate for climate action.

Examples of usage

They trekked through the dense jungle to reach the ancient ruins.
We decided to trek across the desert to explore the oasis.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'trek' comes from the Afrikaans word 'trek', which means to pull or drag, originally referring to the movement of ox-drawn wagons.
Trek gained popularity in English during the Great Trek in the 1830s, when Dutch settlers migrated into the interior of South Africa.
The concept evolved to describe challenging walks or hikes, emphasizing effort and endurance.

Travel and Exploration

Treks are popular in mountainous regions, with famous routes like the Himalayas' Everest Base Camp trek attracting adventurers from all over the world.
In modern travel, trekking has become a way for people to connect with nature and experience different cultures, often through organized tours.
Long-distance treks like the Appalachian Trail in the US offer opportunities for personal reflection and discovery.

Pop Culture

'Star Trek', a hugely popular sci-fi franchise, explores space travel and adventures, showcasing how the word has influenced culture beyond physical journeys.
In video games, trekking is often a theme where characters traverse vast landscapes, facing challenges similar to real-life treks.
Television shows have featured challenges and competitions that include trekking, highlighting survival skills and teamwork.

Adventure and Health

Trekking can provide health benefits, improving cardiovascular fitness, and strengthening muscles while also enhancing mental well-being through time spent outdoors.
Adventure tourism has seen a rise in trekking options, with people seeking new challenges as a way to break from their daily routines.
Trekking fosters environmental awareness, encouraging hikers to appreciate and protect natural ecosystems.

Literature

Literary works often depict treks as journeys of self-discovery and transformation, symbolizing the struggles of the characters.
Books like 'Into the Wild' recount real-life treks that challenge our understanding of adventure and personal choice.
Poets and writers have used the metaphor of a trek to describe life's journey, mixing physical and emotional exploration.

Translations

Translations of the word "trek" in other languages:

🇵🇹 caminhada

🇮🇳 यात्रा

🇩🇪 Wanderung

🇮🇩 perjalanan

🇺🇦 похід

🇵🇱 wędrówka

🇯🇵 トレッキング

🇫🇷 randonnée

🇪🇸 caminata

🇹🇷 yürüyüş

🇰🇷 트레킹

🇸🇦 رحلة

🇨🇿 túra

🇸🇰 túra

🇨🇳 徒步旅行

🇸🇮 pohod

🇮🇸 ganga

🇰🇿 серуен

🇬🇪 ლაშქრობა

🇦🇿 yürüş

🇲🇽 caminata

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,831, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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17828 crumbled
17829 organizes
17830 tattered
17831 trek
17832 indignantly
17833 finale
17834 ensign
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