Expedition - English Definition & Meaning

Daily Word • Learn, play, and grow your vocabulary

Definition

An "expedition" is a journey undertaken for a specific purpose, such as exploration, research, or war. Think of it as a planned and organized adventure, often to a remote or unknown place. 🧭 It implies careful preparation, a clear objective, and often significant challenges. Unlike a simple 'trip,' an 'expedition' is deliberate and purposeful. It's about discovery and achievement, not just travel.

Etymology

The word "expedition" comes from the Latin word 'expeditio,' meaning 'a setting forth, an undertaking.' It is derived from 'expedire,' 'to set free, to prepare.' This reflects the idea of equipping and preparing for a journey. Over time, it has come to specifically refer to journeys undertaken for exploration or research, often with a scientific or military objective.

Related Words

Examples

  • "The team set off on an expedition to climb Mount Everest."
  • "The scientific expedition aimed to study the Amazon rainforest."
  • "The explorer led an expedition to find the lost city."
  • "The military expedition was sent to secure the border."

Anecdote / Story

Think of the 'Star Trek' crew going on away missions. Exploring new planets is the nature of an expedition. Or imagine the explorers in 'Indiana Jones' searching for ancient artifacts. Think of Frodo and Sam's journey to destroy the One Ring in 'Lord of the Rings.' 💍 Like Lewis and Clark's exploration of the American West, an expedition is all about discovery!

Encouragement

Use 'expedition' to describe journeys with a specific purpose, especially those involving exploration or research. It adds a sense of adventure and purpose to your descriptions. So, next time you're planning a significant journey, consider it an 'expedition'! 🚀

🚀 Ready to expand your vocabulary?

Get expertly crafted daily words delivered straight to your WhatsApp. Join thousands learning new words every day!

✅ Daily word delivery ✅ Etymology & examples ✅ Interactive learning ✅ 100% free trial
Start Your Free Trial on WhatsApp
📱 Get daily vocabulary on WhatsApp Start Free Trial