WordGarden.ioembark
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɛmbˈɑːk/
US
- /ɛmˈbɑrk/
Meanings
Verb
to begin a course of action or undertaking
to go aboard a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle for a journey
to put passengers, troops, or goods aboard a vehicle
Beyond the definition
Imagine a ship setting sail. That is where the idea begins. To embark means to begin a journey or to start something important and new. You might embark on a career, an adventure, or a big project. The word often suggests a clear and willing first step, not just a casual start. It feels like opening a new chapter and moving forward to see where it leads.
To embark means to begin a journey, especially a significant one, or to commence a new venture or undertaking. It carries a sense of purpose and commitment, suggesting more than just a casual start; it implies stepping forward with clear intention. The word originates from the nautical world, literally meaning to go on board a ship—hence its long-standing association with exploration and travel.
You might embark on a physical journey, such as: "They embarked on a cross-country road trip," or a metaphorical one: "She decided to embark on a new career in medicine." It can also describe the start of a complex process, like: "The organization is embarking on a major digital transformation."
While often used for positive or exciting endeavors, embark doesn't necessarily guarantee a smooth path. You can embark on a risky venture, fully aware of the difficulties ahead. The defining element is the deliberate act of beginning. Historically, the term was strictly tied to boarding vessels. Today, its reach is far wider; you can embark on anything from a creative hobby to a scientific research project. Whenever you take that first decisive step toward a new goal, you are embarking!
Examples
- 1
Air travel
Passengers for Flight 218 will begin embarking at Gate 6 at 7:30.
- 2
Travel plans
After months of planning, they embarked on a two-week trip across Italy.
- Patternembark on + journey/project
begin something important or demanding
- 3
Career change
She left her office job and embarked on a career in nursing.
- 4
Business project
The company is about to embark on a major redesign of its website.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Life change
At sixty, he decided to embark upon a new chapter of his life.
- Usageembark upon
a more formal way to say embark on
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- embarkverb
Forms
- embarkedpast tenseverb
- embarking-ing formverb
- embarksverb