What is vacation? Pronunciation and usage in English

vacation means . Learn how to pronounce and use vacation through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of vacation

vacationnoun

/vəˈkeɪʃn//veɪˈkeɪʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of vacation

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "vacation" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈveɪkāʃən/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. "Vac": Pronounced like "vay" - similar to the word "way." The "v" is silent.
  2. "a": Pronounced like the "a" in "father" or "cat."
  3. "tion": This is the trickiest part. It’s pronounced like “shun” - like the end of the word "button."

Putting it together: "Vay-kah-shun"

Tips & Common Mistakes:

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Usage and examples with the word vacation in English

Let's break down how to use the word "vacation" in English. It's a very common and versatile word!

1. Basic Definition:

  • Vacation refers to a period of time away from work, school, or normal duties, typically for leisure or relaxation.

2. Common Uses and Phrases:

  • "I'm going on vacation." (Simple statement about a planned trip)
  • "We're planning a vacation to Hawaii." (Specifying the destination)
  • "I need a vacation." (Expressing a desire for time off)
  • "Let's take a vacation together!" (Suggesting a trip with someone else)
  • "I'm looking forward to my vacation." (Expressing excitement)
  • "School vacation" (Refers to the time off during the school year – summer vacation, winter vacation, etc.)
  • "Holiday vacation" (Often used to refer to longer, more extended periods of time off, especially around Christmas and New Year's.)

3. Types of Vacations:

  • Beach vacation: A trip to the shore.
  • City vacation: Exploring a city.
  • Road trip vacation: Traveling by car.
  • Cruise vacation: Traveling on a cruise ship.
  • Adventure vacation: Focused on exciting activities like hiking, skiing, or wildlife viewing.
  • Staycation: A vacation spent at home or locally, enjoying leisure activities.

4. Related Words & Phrases:

  • Vacation time: The allotted time off work.
  • Vacation days: The number of days of vacation you have.
  • Plan a vacation: To organize a trip.
  • Take a vacation: To go on a trip.
  • Vacation package: A pre-arranged trip with flights, accommodation, and sometimes activities included.
  • Vacation rental: A property (house, apartment, etc.) rented out for short-term stays (like a vacation).

5. Grammatical Notes:

  • "Vacation" is usually uncountable. You generally don't say "a vacation," you say "a vacation time." While you can say “I need a vacation,” it’s stronger than just saying “I need time off.”
  • "Vacation" can be a noun and a verb. (As seen in the examples above).

Example Sentences Demonstrating Different Uses:

  • "My family is taking a vacation to Europe this summer." (Noun – a period of time)
  • "She vacationed in Italy last year." (Verb – to go on vacation)
  • "He earned enough money to take a vacation." (Verb – to go on vacation)

Resources for More Information:

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Synonyms for the word vacation

Practice with vocabulary vacation

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Employees are encouraged to take a proper _________ to prevent burnout and ensure sustained productivity.
  2. The project manager requested that all team members submit their time-off _________ by the end of the month.
  3. Our department has a policy that all unused _________ days must be taken by the end of the fiscal year.
  4. Before we finalize the agenda, we need to confirm the dates for the CEO's overseas business _________ next quarter.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of these phrases correctly uses the word "vacation" in a common context? (A) The CEO went on a business vacation. (B) We are planning a short vacation to the mountains. (C) My manager approved my vacation request for two weeks. (D) Our team will take a vacation to finish the project.

  2. When referring to a planned period of time off work or school specifically for leisure and rest, which term is most commonly used in American English? (A) holiday (B) vacation (C) recess (D) furlough

  3. Which preposition(s) correctly precede "vacation" when talking about being away from work or home for leisure? (A) in (B) on (C) for (D) during

  4. Which term describes a short journey or trip, often taken for pleasure or as part of a larger tour, and usually returning to the starting point? (A) voyage (B) expedition (C) excursion (D) pilgrimage

  5. What is the primary purpose of a "sabbatical" leave for professionals in an academic or corporate setting? (A) To engage in intensive team-building activities abroad. (B) To take an extended break for personal rest and leisure without a specific project. (C) To pursue professional development, conduct research, or teach. (D) To explore new business opportunities or markets overseas.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company provides its employees with a generous allowance for their annual time off for leisure. Rewrite using "vacation" or a related word form:

  2. Many people find it beneficial to completely detach from their work responsibilities for a while to recharge. Rewrite using "vacation" or a related word form:

  3. My colleague will be absent from the office next week as she is traveling overseas for personal reasons. Rewrite without using "vacation" or any of its forms, but using a suitable replacement:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Employees are encouraged to take a proper vacation to prevent burnout and ensure sustained productivity.
  2. The project manager requested that all team members submit their time-off request by the end of the month.
  3. Our department has a policy that all unused vacation days must be taken by the end of the fiscal year.
  4. Before we finalize the agenda, we need to confirm the dates for the CEO's overseas business trip next quarter.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. (B) We are planning a short vacation to the mountains. (C) My manager approved my vacation request for two weeks.
  2. (B) vacation
  3. (B) on (C) for
  4. (C) excursion
  5. (C) To pursue professional development, conduct research, or teach.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company provides its employees with a generous annual vacation allowance.
  2. Many people find it beneficial to go on vacation to completely detach from their work responsibilities and recharge.
  3. My colleague will be on leave next week as she is traveling overseas for personal reasons.

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