journey

A journey is a trip, especially one to a faraway place that takes place over a long period of time.

The word trip can refer to any instance of traveling from one place to another, no matter how long or short it is. The word journey, though, typically implies a long trip—one that’s at least several hours, and perhaps several months or even years. It also often implies adventure—a journey might even be a quest. A journey may or may not have a planned destination other than whatever lies ahead.

The word is also commonly used in a figurative way to liken any lengthy process or progress to such a trip, as in Life is a journey, with many interesting detours. 

Journey can also be used as a verb meaning to make a long trip, as in We must journey to the land beyond the mountains.

Example: My favorite books are about people who make epic journeys around the world.

The first records of the word journey come from around the 1200s. It comes from the Middle English word journee, meaning “day,” ultimately from unattested Vulgar Latin diurnāta, meaning “a day’s time” or “a day’s work.” In English, the meaning of the word journey originally meant something like “a day’s travel,” but eventually came to mean “a long trip.”

A journey can last a day but the word usually refers to longer trips. The word is sometimes preceded with the mode of transportation that’s used, as in The city is reachable only by a long train journey. Discussion of journeys often involves their destination or purpose. When people say, “It’s the journey, not the destination,” they mean that the significance and value of a journey is what happens along the way, from moment to moment, as opposed to the achievement of its ultimate goal.

What are some other forms related to journey?

• journeyer (noun)
• outjourney (verb)

What are some synonyms for journey?

• voyage
• trip
• trek
• expedition

What are some words that share a root or word element with journey? 

• journal
• diurnal

What are some words that often get used in discussing journey?

• destination
• epic
• travel
• quest
• adventure
• visit

Journey is very commonly used in a figurative way.

I ask you to accompany me on my journey to Chile and Peru in your prayers.

— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) January 15, 2018

Life is indeed a journey. Successful is he who can navigate the ups and downs without losing his balance. Don’t dwell on your past, don’t wallow in self-pity, don’t repeat your mistakes, don’t focus on negativity, help others along the way, spread kindness wherever you go!

— Mufti Menk (@muftimenk) August 17, 2020

Some people around us will not understand our journey.

They don’t need to; it’s not for them

— Paulo Coelho (@paulocoelho) May 4, 2019

Which of the following words is a synonym of journey?

A. voyage
B. trip
C. trek
D. all of the above