vacation - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
vacation Word Meanings
- a period of time spent away from home or work for relaxation
- the act of taking a holiday or trip
- an official or formal break from duty
vacation Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
vacation Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/vəˈkeɪ.ʃən/
US
/veɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/
vacation Word Etymology
vacation = vacate + -ion; Latin vacare (to be empty) → Old French vacance → English. Imagine a beach scene where you leave work behind, feeling empty of worries and full of freedom, as you bask in the sun.
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 shut the laptop, set my bag by the door, and push the day into the back of my mind. The calendar on the wall shifts days tucked away for a break, and I feel a quiet lift in my chest. I turn toward the window, adjust my plans, and let the word vacation take shape as a simple decision to breathe again. Then I start packing, place a few clothes into the suitcase, and keep the idea close as I move toward the next chapter.
Real Context
Vacation is a flexible English word that can be a noun or a verb, referring to a period away from home for relaxation or travel, the act of taking time off, or a formal break from duties. It covers casual getaways and longer trips alike, and the sense can shift with context: a personal trip, a school break, or a company leave. Americans often say vacation, while Brits may use holiday for similar ideas; the verb form is to vacation, though more common is to say to take a vacation or to go on vacation. Learners should watch for collocations with travel, work, and time off to sound natural.
Usage Reminders
- Use vacation to describe both a time off and the trip itself.
- Common collocations: go on vacation, take a vacation, be on vacation.
- In American English vacation emphasizes the period; in British English holiday is often used for similar meanings.
- If you need to specify duration, say a two-week vacation or a long vacation.
- For proper verbs, the natural choice is to take a vacation or go on vacation rather than simply vacation.
Common Misconceptions
- Vacation means only a trip abroad, not a period of time off at home
- Holiday and vacation are exactly the same in all contexts
- To vacation must always mean traveling somewhere far
- Vacation is only for adults
- A vacation always implies a long, planned journey
Thinking Differences
English encodes a time-off concept as both a period (vacation) and a specific trip (to vacation). Learners often mix up holiday and vacation due to UK-US differences; Americans lean on vacation for the time away, while Brits may use holiday more broadly.
Learning Tips
- Learn common collocations: go on vacation, take a vacation, be on vacation.
- Practice both noun and verb forms in different contexts.
- Differentiate vacation (period) vs holiday (festival/holiday).
- Use time-off phrases with work or school context.
- Practice short dialogues: I am on vacation next week.
- Read/listen to real examples to hear natural usage.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'vacation' mean?
A.A break from school
B.A type of car
C.A furry animal
D.A short nap
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'vacation' correctly?
A.I love to eat vacation for breakfast.
B.Let's go on a beach vacation next week.
C.My vacation is very fluffy.
D.Tomorrow, I will go to the zoo on vacation.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a similar word to 'vacation'?
A.Travel
B.Sadness
C.Computer
D.Basketball
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'vacation'?
A.Work
B.Sleep
C.Rainbow
D.Dance
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario involving a vacation?
A.I like to read books during the summer.
B.I usually play soccer after school.
C.We went on a vacation to Hawaii last month.
D.On weekends, I spend time with my family.
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