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destination

des-tih-NAY-shun /ˌdestɪˈneɪʃən/

nounA2IELTSTOEFL

neutral

The place to which someone or something is going or being sent.

Refers to the ultimate endpoint of a journey, carrying a sense of purpose or completion.

The story behind the word. From Latin 'destinare', meaning 'to make firm, establish, intend', which combines 'de-' (intensive) and 'stanare' (related to 'stare', meaning 'to stand'). It literally means to firmly establish where you will stand at the end of your journey.

Word relationships

goal: A goal is an abstract objective or target, while a destination is a physical, geographic location.
terminus: A terminus is the absolute end of a transportation line (like a train line), whereas a destination is the personal end of a traveler's journey.

origin: Origin is the starting point of a journey, whereas destination is the endpoint.

Commonly confused with

destiny: Destiny refers to a predetermined course of events or fate, while destination is a physical place you travel to.

Word family

destine (verb): To intend for a specific purpose or end.
destined (adjective): Heading toward a specific destination or fate.

Collocations

final destination
popular destination
tourist destination
reach a destination

Example sentences

"We will be arriving at our destination in approximately forty-five minutes." A pilot addressing passengers
"This tropical island is the perfect destination for families looking to relax." A travel brochure

Memory hook

Think of 'destiny'—your destination is the physical place where your travel destiny is fulfilled. Your destination is where you finally stand.

When not to use

Do not use to describe the path, route, or temporary stops along the way.

Fun facts

The phrase 'it's about the journey, not the destination' is often attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, highlighting the value of the travel experience itself.