odyssey
OD-uh-see
/ˈɒd.ə.si/
A long and eventful or adventurous journey or experience.
Implies a journey of self-discovery or a series of trials and changes, not just physical travel.
The story behind the word. Named after the Greek hero Odysseus (Ulysses), who spent ten years trying to get home after the Trojan War. His journey was filled with monsters, gods, and temptations, making the word synonymous with any long, trial-filled journey.
Word relationships
- saga: Saga usually refers to a long story or history; odyssey is the journey itself.
- pilgrimage: Pilgrimage has a specific religious or moral purpose.
- stay: Remaining in one place without change.
Commonly confused with
- voyage: A voyage is a trip by sea/space; an odyssey is a transformative, long-term experience.
Collocations
- personal odyssey
- spiritual odyssey
- epic odyssey
- lifelong odyssey
Example sentences
- "His life was a spiritual odyssey that took him from the bustling cities of Europe to the quiet monasteries of Tibet." A long personal journey.
- "The film '2001: A Space Odyssey' explores the evolution of humanity through a journey to Jupiter." Space exploration.
Memory hook
An 'Odd-to-See' journey because so many strange things happen. A long journey that changes you.
When not to use
Don't use for a short trip or a journey that lacks significant events or personal growth.
Fun facts
- The word 'odyssey' didn't become a common noun in English until the 17th century.
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