vacation
vacation
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "vacation" is /veɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/ (American English) or /vəˈkeɪʃən/ (British English).
For /veɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/:
/veɪ/
/ˈkeɪ/
/ʃən/
Word Form Variations
Noun: vacation (singular), vacations (plural)
Verb: vacation (base form, used to take a vacation), vacations (third person singular present), vacationing (present participle), vacationed (past simple, past participle)
Adjective: vacation (used attributively, e.g., "vacation home," "vacation rental")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: An extended period of leisure and recreation, especially one spent away from home or business in travel or amusement; a holiday.
Synonyms: holiday (British English), break, time off, leave, respite, sabbatical, trip, journey
Antonyms: work, labor, toil, employment, duty, business, drudgery
Definition 2: A period during which the usual routine of a school, court, or other institution is suspended.
Synonyms: recess, break, intersession, adjournment, holiday period
Antonyms: term, session, working period, school term
Definition 3: (Archaic/Formal) The action of leaving something one has previously occupied; the act of vacating.
Synonyms: vacating, emptying, departure, withdrawal
Antonyms: occupation, filling, arrival, entry
Verb
Definition 1: To take or spend a period of time devoted to leisure or recreation, typically away from one's regular work or school.
Synonyms: holiday (British English), relax, get away, rest, escape, travel (for leisure)
Antonyms: work, labor, toil, stay (home), busy (oneself)
Definition 2: (Archaic/Legal) To vacate or make empty; to annul or set aside (a judgment or office).
Synonyms: vacate, annul, nullify, void, cancel
Antonyms: validate, confirm, uphold, establish
Adjective
Definition 1: Of or relating to a period of leisure and recreation; used for, or appropriate to, a vacation. (Used attributively)
Synonyms: holiday (attributive), leisure, recreational, travel (attributive)
Antonyms: work (attributive), business (attributive), duty (attributive)
Examples of Use
Books:
"Her dream was to save enough money for a long vacation to the Amalfi Coast, a fantasy she cherished during her long workdays." (Fictional example from a romantic novel or travel fiction)
"The book offers a comprehensive guide to planning a budget-friendly family vacation in the national parks." (From a non-fiction travel guide or parenting book)
"He often recalled his childhood summers, long, carefree vacations spent at his grandmother's farm." (Fictional example from a nostalgic memoir or coming-of-age novel)
Newspapers:
"Tourism sector anticipates a boom as international arrivals for summer vacations surge." (Business Daily Africa)
"The High Court announced its annual judicial vacation, with limited court sessions to be held." (Daily Nation)
"Are staycations the new normal? Families opt for local trips over international vacations due to rising costs." (The Standard)
Online Publications:
"Our ultimate guide to planning a stress-free safari vacation in Kenya." (An article on a travel blog, e.g., Magical Kenya)
"How to maximize your annual leave: Tips for taking more vacations without burning out." (An article on a career or lifestyle blog, e.g., Forbes.com)
"Book your dream vacation rental: Exclusive deals on villas and apartments worldwide." (A promotional banner on a travel booking website, e.g., Airbnb)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "I need a vacation from my vacation." (Common humorous line, often said by characters exhausted after a trip)
Television Series: "For your next challenge, you must design a perfect vacation itinerary for a family of four on a tight budget." (Instructions on a reality competition show, e.g., The Amazing Race or a design show)
Song Lyrics: "School's out for summer, school's out forever." (Alice Cooper, "School's Out," 1972) - This relates to the excitement of a school vacation.
Video Games: "Your character must complete this quest before the town embarks on its annual vacation." (In-game objective or lore, e.g., Stardew Valley)
Podcasts: "In this episode, we share our top travel hacks for making your family vacation enjoyable for everyone." (A podcast on family travel, e.g., The Travel Podcast)
General Public Discourse:
"Are you going on vacation this year?" (A very common question)
"I really need a vacation; I'm feeling so burnt out." (A common complaint)
"Where are you going for your summer vacation?" (A common question about travel plans)
"The kids are on school vacation next month." (A common statement about school breaks)
"We just got back from a fantastic vacation to the coast." (A casual sharing of experience)
"I'm vacationing in Diani this time." (A common statement about current leisure travel in Kenya)
"My vacation home is in Naivasha." (Referring to a second property for leisure)
"The company offers generous vacation days to its employees." (A statement about employee benefits)
10 Quotes Using Vacation
"I need a vacation from my vacation." (Common humorous line, widely used)
"What about Bob? You want to meet me every day, all day? What about the vacation, what about the family?" (Bill Murray as Bob Wiley in What About Bob?, 1991)
"School's out for summer, school's out forever." (Alice Cooper, "School's Out," 1972) - This implicitly refers to the start of a long school vacation.
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." (African Proverb) - This relates to the journey, similar to a vacation, and the pace of it.
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." (Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching) - This refers to the beginning of any journey, including a vacation.
"Life is a journey, not a destination." (Ralph Waldo Emerson) - This implies that every part of life, even a vacation, is part of the larger experience.
"I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it." (Thomas Jefferson) - This highlights the reward of work, often leading to a vacation.
"My ideal vacation involves a beach, a book, and absolutely no schedule." (Lesser-known, but common relatable sentiment)
"Don't worry about a thing, 'cause every little thing gonna be alright." (Bob Marley, "Three Little Birds," 1977) - This is a good mindset for a relaxing vacation.
"A change of scenery is a good vacation." (Original quote, emphasizing the benefit of new surroundings)
Etymology
The word "vacation" has a clear origin from Latin, through French.
It comes from the Old French word vacacion.
This Old French word meant "leisure," "repose," or "exemption from duty."
Vacacion, in turn, came directly from the Latin word vacātiō.
In Latin, vacātiō meant "a ceasing from labor," "leisure," "freedom from duty," or "an exemption." It was related to the Latin verb vacāre, meaning "to be empty," "to be free," or "to be at leisure."
So, the literal meaning embedded in the word is "a state of being free or empty (from work or duty)."
When "vacation" first entered the English language, in the late 14th century (around 1380), its initial meaning was "freedom from any duty, business, or occupation; leisure; rest." This meaning was primarily used for official breaks, like a legal holiday or a school break.
The more common modern sense of "a pleasure trip or recreational holiday away from home" developed much later, primarily in American English in the 19th century. In British English, "holiday" is still the more common term for this kind of recreational trip.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Vacation
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "vacation":
Summer vacation: The long school holiday period during summer.
Spring break: A short school or university holiday period in spring, often associated with travel.
Vacation home: A second residence used for holidays or leisure.
To take a vacation: To go on holiday; to take time off from work or school.
Working vacation: A trip that combines leisure with work responsibilities.
Staycation: A vacation spent at home or in one's local area.
Paid vacation: Time off from work that one is compensated for.
Dream vacation: An ideal or perfect holiday trip.
A break from routine: A period away from one's normal activities. (Synonymous with "vacation").
Time off: A period of absence from work or duty. (Synonym for "vacation").
To escape the daily grind: To get away from the stresses of everyday life. (Synonymous with going on "vacation").
To jet off on vacation: To travel by plane for a holiday. (Lesser-known, but descriptive).
Vacation mode: A state of relaxation and detachment from work or worries. (Original, informal).
Holiday planning: The process of organizing a vacation. (Synonymous with "vacation prep").
A period of leisure: Time spent in relaxation or enjoyment. (Synonymous with "vacation").
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of vacation from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
