expedition
ek-spuh-DISH-un
/ˌek.spəˈdɪʃ.ən/
A journey organized for a particular purpose, such as exploration, research, or war.
Implies a high degree of organization, a specific goal, and often a group of people rather than a solo traveler.
The story behind the word. In ancient Rome, 'expeditio' referred to the 'unshackling' of the feet. It was the process of getting a soldier ready for the field by removing anything that hindered their movement, effectively 'freeing' them to march.
Word relationships
- mission: Mission focuses more on the goal, while expedition focuses on the journey itself.
- undertaking: Undertaking is broader and can refer to any large task, not just a journey.
- stagnation: The state of not moving or progressing at all.
Commonly confused with
- excursion: An excursion is a short, casual pleasure trip; an expedition is a serious, purposeful journey.
Word family
- expeditionary (adjective): Relating to or forming an expedition.
Collocations
- scientific expedition
- mountaineering expedition
- lead an expedition
- launch an expedition
Example sentences
- "The object of your mission is to explore the Missouri river, & such principal stream of it, as, by its course & communication with the waters of the Pacific Ocean, may offer the most direct & practicable water communication across this continent, for the purposes of commerce." Historical exploration of the American West.
- "The scientific expedition to the Antarctic aimed to collect ice core samples to study climate history." Scientific research in extreme environments.
Memory hook
Think of 'EXiting' with your 'PEDals' (feet) to go on a mission. Exit on feet for a mission.
When not to use
Don't use this for a casual weekend trip or a simple walk; it requires a 'mission' feel.
Fun facts
- The word was originally a military term before it was adopted by scientists and explorers.
Explore more words
excursion, campaign, destination, endeavor, procession, mobilize
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