What is voyage? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of voyage

voyagenoun

/ˈvɔɪ(ɪ)dʒ/
Definition & pronunciation of voyage

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "voyage" in English. It can be tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sound:

  • "voy" - This is the most challenging part. It's pronounced like "wah" as in "water." Think of saying "wah" quickly.
  • "age" - This part is pretty straightforward. It's pronounced like "edge" – similar to the word "ledge."

2. Combining the Parts:

Putting it together, you get: "wah-edge"

3. A More Detailed Breakdown (with emphasis):

  • "voy" (wah): Make the "wah" sound clear and short. (ˈvoɪ)
  • "age" (edge): Pronounce this with a slightly more open vowel sound – like you're tilting your mouth a little bit. (eɪdʒ)

4. Listen to Examples:

The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are a few resources:

Key Tip: Don't over-elongate the "wah" sound. It should be a quick, distinct "wah."

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some words that have similar vowel sounds to help you?

Usage and examples with the word voyage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "voyage" in English. It's a wonderfully evocative word with a specific, slightly formal feel. Here's a breakdown of its meanings, usage, and some examples:

1. Core Meaning: A Long Journey by Sea or Air

  • Primary Definition: "Voyage" primarily refers to a long journey, typically by sea or air, undertaken for pleasure, business, or exploration. It emphasizes the journey itself, and often implies a significant amount of time and distance.

    • Example: "They embarked on a luxury voyage across the Mediterranean."
    • Example: "The explorers planned a daring voyage to chart unknown waters."

2. Less Common, but Still Valid Meanings:

  • Journey (More Generally): It can be used to describe any long and significant journey, not just by water. It leans towards a more formal or literary tone.

    • Example: “His life was a long and arduous voyage of self-discovery.” (Referring to a life journey, not just a trip)

  • A Literary or Artistic Work: “Voyage” can refer to a book, film, or other creative work that tells a story of a journey or exploration.

    • Example: "‘The Odyssey’ is a classic epic voyage of a hero's return."

3. Important Nuances & Usage Tips:

  • Formal Tone: “Voyage” feels more formal than words like “trip,” “journey,” or “excursion.” You'd typically find it in literature, travel writing, or historical contexts.

  • Duration: It strongly suggests a lengthy trip. "Trip" is more suitable for shorter vacations.

  • Emphasis on Experience: "Voyage" highlights the experience of being on the journey, the sights, sounds, and challenges encountered. It's less about the destination and more about the process.

  • Often Used with Verbs: "To embark on a voyage," "to complete a voyage," "to undertake a voyage."

4. Phrases Using "Voyage":

  • Voyage of Discovery: Refers to an expedition aimed at discovering new things, lands, or knowledge. (Often used historically.)
  • A Voyage of Hope: A journey undertaken with the expectation of a positive outcome.
  • The Voyage Home: The return journey.

5. Comparison to Similar Words:

Word Tone Length Focus
Trip Informal Short Destination
Journey Neutral Variable Process/Path
Excursion Informal Short Brief outing
Voyage Formal Long The Journey Itself

Resources for Further Reading:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "voyage"? (e.g., writing a story, describing a trip, having a conversation)
  • What are you trying to convey with the word? (e.g., a long, adventurous journey, a sentimental travel experience, etc.)

Synonyms for the word voyage

Practice with vocabulary voyage

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The ambitious startup secured funding for a year-long research ___________ to study sustainable energy sources in remote Arctic regions.
  2. After months of meticulous planning, the scientific ___________ across the Pacific Ocean began, aiming to collect deep-sea geological data.
  3. The daily ___________ from the suburbs to the city center during peak hours often takes over an hour, impacting employee productivity.
  4. Our department's annual team-building ___________ to the national park was a great success, fostering camaraderie and collaboration.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words best describes a long and often arduous journey, especially by sea or into space, undertaken with a specific purpose or discovery in mind? a) trip b) voyage c) excursion d) tour

  2. The company is sponsoring a professional development opportunity that involves a week-long business ___________ to several European capitals. a) journey b) tour c) trip d) voyage

  3. The historical record details Captain Cook's groundbreaking ___________ across the Pacific, which significantly expanded cartographical knowledge. a) trip b) journey c) voyage d) travel

  4. For a comprehensive understanding of the ancient trade routes, historians often analyze detailed accounts of merchants' long-distance ___________. a) expeditions b) voyages c) travels d) commutes

  5. Which preposition correctly completes the sentence: "The project team embarked ___________ a new initiative to streamline workflows." a) on b) with c) for d) into

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The exploratory mission to discover new astronomical bodies will take several years. (Rewrite using a form of "voyage")
  2. Scientists spent months preparing for their long and difficult journey to the Antarctic continent. (Rewrite using a form of "voyage")
  3. The marketing team regularly travels to different regions to assess market trends and gather customer feedback. (Rewrite without using "voyage" or its forms)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. voyage
  2. voyage
  3. commute
  4. trip

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) voyage
  2. a) journey, c) trip (both are suitable in this context)
  3. c) voyage (b) journey is also plausible but voyage is more precise for historical, significant sea travel)
  4. a) expeditions, b) voyages, c) travels (all are suitable for long-distance trade)
  5. a) on

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The exploratory voyage to discover new astronomical bodies will take several years.
  2. Scientists spent months preparing for their long and difficult voyage to the Antarctic continent.
  3. The marketing team regularly makes trips to different regions to assess market trends and gather customer feedback.

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