tour - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
tour Word Meanings
- a journey to a place for pleasure
- a trip taking in a variety of locations
- to walk around a place for exploration
tour Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
tour Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/tʊə/
US
/tʊr/
tour Word Etymology
tour = turn + -ure (noun suffix). Historical origin: Middle French → English. Imagine a guide spinning around to show various attractions to tourists.
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 InputEnglish Brain Route
I lace up my shoes and step outside, the door sighing shut behind me. I move along the sidewalk, a loose plan in my head guiding a turn here and there. The crowd nudges and pulls, I adjust my pace and decide what to focus on. This little outing becomes a tour in practice: a way to see a place by walking, choosing, and keeping control of where I go.
Real Context
Tour is a word that covers both a planned outing and the act of moving from place to place with purpose. As a noun, it often refers to a structured route or a short break from home, such as a guided tour of a city or a museum circuit. As a verb, to tour means to travel around an area to see the sights, sometimes with a host or guide. It can be used for short local explorations or multi-location itineraries. English speakers use tour with prepositions like on a tour, tour of, or tour around, and the related noun tourist designates someone who takes such journeys. The concept blends movement, interest, and organized visiting.
Usage Reminders
- Use tour to describe a structured outing with stops, often with a guide.
- Say 'on a tour' or 'take a tour of' rather than just 'go on a tour' in casual speech.
- As a verb, to tour means to travel around an area to see the sights; specify places with 'of' or 'around'.
- Distinguish tour from trip or journey: a tour implies plan and stops.
- Common phrases: guided tour, city tour, bus tour.
Common Misconceptions
- Tour is the same as a trip or journey and always implies a guided experience.
- Tour can be used for any kind of travel, even without planned stops or a route.
- To tour means wandering aimlessly around a place without purpose.
- Tour and tourist are interchangeable; tour can refer to people as well.
- Tour is always a long or international activity, not a short local outing.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short)
Learning Tips
- Memorize that tour is a structured outing with stops.
- Connect 'on a tour' and 'take a tour of' with specific places.
- Use 'guided tour' to emphasize a guide.
- Keep tour distinct from trip or journey; it implies planning.
- Practice with real situations: museum tours, city tours, or bus tours.
- Note the noun and verb forms: a tour, to tour.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'tour'?
A.A type of fruit
B.A small animal with whiskers
C.A journey or visit to different places
D.A musical instrument
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'tour' correctly?
A.The band is going on a music tour
B.She played the tour at the concert
C.Let's tour our homework together
D.I went on a tour to buy groceries
Step 3: Similar Words
What is the most similar word to 'tour'?
A.Journey
B.Dog
C.Apple
D.Guitar
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of the word 'tour'?
A.Banana
B.Dolphin
C.Stay
D.Piano
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario of 'tour'?
A.Eating breakfast at home
B.Exploring a new city with a guided tour
C.Reading a book in bed
D.Watching a movie with friends
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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