Vacation

Definition

Vacation is a noun referring to a period of rest or leisure time away from work, school, or other regular activities, often spent traveling or relaxing. As a verb (primarily used in British English), it means to take a holiday or leave from duties.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /veɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/ or /vəˈkeɪ.ʃən/
• Respelling: vay-KAY-shuhn or vuh-KAY-shuhn

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /vəˈkeɪ.ʃən/ or /ˈvæk.eɪ.ʃən/
• Respelling: vuh-KAY-shuhn or VAK-ay-shuhn

Etymology

The word "vacation" originates from Middle English "vacacioun," derived from Old French "vacation," and from Latin "vacationem," meaning "freedom or exemption." It comes from the verb "vacare," meaning "to be empty or free."

Derivatives

• Vacational (adjective)
• Vacationer (noun)
• Vacationing (noun/verb)
• Vacationless (adjective)
• Vacative (adjective, rare)

Synonyms

• Holiday
• Break
• Leave

Antonyms

• Work
• Duty
• Engagement

Usage

The noun "vacation" is widely used in American English to describe leisure time away from regular responsibilities, as in "We are planning a summer vacation in Europe." In British English, "holiday" is more commonly used, but "vacation" may refer to a formal break, such as "The court is in vacation."

Related Terms

• Recess: A temporary break from regular duties.
• Leisure: Free time for relaxation or enjoyment.
• Travel: The act of going from one place to another, often during a vacation.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A period of time taken for rest, relaxation, or travel: Refers to leisure time away from work or responsibilities.
  • Example: "They went on a two-week vacation to Hawaii."
• A formal break from official duties or schedules: Refers to institutional or seasonal breaks.
  • Example: "The university is closed during the winter vacation."

Verb (primarily British English)

• To take a holiday or leave from duties: Refers to the action of taking time off for rest or travel.
  • Example: "They are vacationing in the mountains."