exodus - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
exodus Word Meanings
- a mass departure of people
- the journey of the Israelites from Egypt
- any significant migration of a group
exodus Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
exodus Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈɛksədəs/
US
/ˈɛksədəs/
exodus Word Etymology
Root: 'ex-' (out) + 'odus' (way); Historical origin: Latin 'exodus' → Old French 'exode' → English. Memory image: Imagine a large group of people leaving their homeland, navigating through the wilderness on a long journey toward freedom.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Exodus is a noun for a large group of people leaving a place, typically for a shared reason or destination. It can describe any mass departure in modern usage, from people fleeing a disaster to workers quitting a company, or residents moving after a crisis. A well-known historical sense is the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, a story that has shaped literature and religious imagery about escape, journey, and faith. The term emphasizes scale, movement, and collective action rather than an individual act, and it often carries implications of upheaval, risk, and urgency in serious writing about migration, crisis or politics.
Usage Reminders
- Use exodus for a large, collective departure rather than a single person leaving.
- It is often followed by 'from' or 'out of' (exodus from Egypt).
- In religious or historical contexts, 'Exodus' may be capitalized when referring to the biblical event.
- In modern contexts, it can describe mass migration due to crisis, opportunity, or policy changes.
- Do not confuse exodus with emigration or evacuation; those are separate concepts.
Common Misconceptions
- It is only about the biblical Exodus
- It refers to a single person leaving a place
- It always implies violence or danger
- It ends a journey
- It cannot be used for modern migrations
Thinking Differences
English tends to treat exodus as a formal, scale-focused term; learners often confuse it with emigration or evacuation, or assume it requires violence.
Learning Tips
- Learn the nuance: mass departure vs. individual leaving.
- Pair with from/out of to show origin.
- Recognize biblical/historical usage when capitalized.
- Use with modifiers like 'mass', 'large-scale', or 'sudden'.
- Differentiate from emigration and evacuation in context.
- Check collocations: exodus from a place, exodus of people.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'exodus'?
A.A mass departure of people
B.A type of vegetation
C.A unique style of art
D.A brand of technology
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'exodus' correctly?
A.The festival was an exodus of lights and sounds.
B.During the war, there was a massive exodus of refugees.
C.I had an exodus of my favorite snacks this afternoon.
D.He made an exodus of his homework before class.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'exodus'?
A.Photograph
B.Migration
C.Discovery
D.Equilibrium
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'exodus'?
A.Departure
B.Inflow
C.Voyage
D.Absence
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario of a large group leaving a place?
A.The town experienced a large exodus during the civil unrest.
B.Many people left the concert early to avoid traffic.
C.They decided to migrate to another city for better jobs.
D.Families gathered for a reunion in the park.
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App