Vacation: Definition, Usage & Key Examples

Meaning 1：a period of leisure (vacation)

vacation 🔊

/veɪˈkeɪʃən/

A time when you do not work or study, and you can relax, travel, or have fun.

Vacation scene: happy family with luggage walking to a sunny beach with palm trees

a period of leisure 🔊

➕

/ə ˈpɪriəd əv ˈlɛʒər/

A designated time away from work or studies for relaxation, travel, or recreational activities.

📁 Category：Transportation & Travel 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'vacatio', meaning freedom or leisure, derived from 'vacare' to be empty.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'vacation' as vacating your routine to enjoy freedom and relaxation.

📖 Example

After saving for months, they finally went on a vacation to the mountains to enjoy the fresh air and hiking. 🔊 After months of saving, they finally took a vacation to the mountains for hiking and fresh air.

🔗 Collocations

go on vacation – to depart for a leisure trip

take a vacation – to use one's time off for rest

vacation destination – a place chosen for holiday travel

🔄 Synonyms

holiday (n.) – a day or period of celebration or leisure

break (n.) – a short pause or interval from work

leave (n.) – authorized absence from duty

🚫 Antonyms

work (n.) – activity involving mental or physical effort

🌱 Derivatives

vacationer (n.) – a person who is on vacation

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'vacatio', referring to exemption from duties. In modern culture, it often denotes paid time off for travel, especially in North America.