Embark
/ɪmˈbɑːrk/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo begin or start something new, such as a journey, venture, or project.
/ɪmˈbɑːrk/
To begin a journey or endeavor
The explorers prepared to embark on their expedition.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're about to start a big adventure, like going on a trip or beginning a new project. To embark means you are starting that journey!
👶 For kids: To start something important, like going on a trip!
More Examples
She decided to embark on a career change and study medicine.
They are eager to embark on the next phase of the project.
How It's Used
"The passengers are about to embark on their transatlantic cruise."
"The company is ready to embark on a new marketing campaign."
To go aboard a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle for a journey.
/ɪmˈbɑːrk/
To board a ship or aircraft
The explorers were ready to embark the ship.
💡 Simply: Imagine getting ready for a big adventure! Embarking is like stepping onto a ship or plane to start that trip.
👶 For kids: To get on a boat or airplane to start going somewhere.
More Examples
All passengers should embark through the designated gate.
The soldiers embarked at dawn.
How It's Used
"The troops embarked on the transport ship."
"Passengers were asked to embark at Gate 23."
Idioms & expressions
embark on a journey
To start a new adventure, either literal or metaphorical.
"She decided to embark on a journey of self-discovery by traveling to different countries."
embark on a new chapter
To start a new phase or period in one's life.
"After graduation, she was ready to embark on a new chapter in her life."
From Old French *embarker* ("to board a ship, embark") which derived from *embarquer* (“to get into a boat, embark”), from *em-* (from Latin *in-* “in, on”) + *barque* (“boat”).
Historically, the word has been associated with maritime voyages and explorations, highlighting the beginning of a journey. However, it has expanded in usage to encompass the beginning of any new venture or undertaking.
Memory tip
Think of getting *on board* a ship – you are starting a journey.
Word Origin
"to board a ship"