circumnavigation

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable or uncountable

   A complete trip around the world, usually by ship or aircraft.

   Grammar: Usually follows the: the first circumnavigation.

   Patterns

   • a circumnavigation of the globe

   Magellan's expedition completed the first circumnavigation of the globe.

   She planned a solo circumnavigation by sailboat.

   The circumnavigation took nearly three years.

2. 2nouncountable

   A journey around any large object, such as an island, lake, or mountain.

   Grammar: Followed by of plus the thing circled.

   Patterns

   • a circumnavigation of something

   They finished a circumnavigation of the island in a kayak.

   The path allows a circumnavigation of the lake in a day.

   His circumnavigation of the mountain lasted a week.

Word forms

Common combinations

solo circumnavigation

His solo circumnavigation inspired many sailors.

complete a circumnavigation

Only a few boats complete a circumnavigation each year.

first circumnavigation

The first circumnavigation proved the earth was round.

non-stop circumnavigation

A non-stop circumnavigation requires huge supplies.

circumnavigation of the globe

The circumnavigation of the globe took two years.

Synonyms and how they differ

voyage

Voyage is a general long sea trip, whereas circumnavigation specifically goes all the way around.

circuit

Circuit means a round trip that returns to the start, but is less formal and less tied to the globe.

tour

Tour suggests visiting several places for pleasure, not necessarily circling.

Word family

circumnavigate verb

to travel all the way around

circumnavigator noun

a person who sails or flies around the world

navigation noun

planning and following a route

circumnavigable adjective

able to be sailed around

Commonly confused: circumnavigation or circumvention?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “circumnavigation”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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