Embark Meaning
/ɪmˈbɑːk/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo go aboard a craft or vessel for transportation.
verbTo start, begin.
Sentence Examples
My uncle says he's about to embark on a new business venture.
He resolved to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime enterprise.
Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.
CEFR Practice Quiz
They will ____ on their journey across the ocean tomorrow morning.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The travelers were ready to ____ on their long journey across Asia.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from Middle French embarquer, from em- + barque (“small ship”). Compare with Portuguese embarcar, Spanish abarcar.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"[S]ee them embarqued; / And tell me if the VVinds and Seas befriend them."
— 1712 (date written), [Joseph] Addison, Cato, a Tragedy. […], London: […] J[acob] Tonson, […], published 1713, →OCLC, Act V, scene i, page 58:
"It is never possible to settle down to the ordinary routine of life at sea until the screw begins to revolve. There is an hour or two, after the passengers have embarked, which is disquieting and fussy."
— 1915, G[eorge] A. Birmingham [pseudonym; James Owen Hannay], chapter I, in Gossamer, New York, N.Y.: George H. Doran Company, →OCLC:
""This is uncommonly nice of you, Nora," he said, before she had had the chance to embark on any explanation; […]"
— 1934, Ernest Bramah, The Bravo of London:
"It was the reputation of the sect upon which St. Paul embarked his salvation."
— 1692–1717, Robert South, Twelve Sermons Preached upon Several Occasions, volume (please specify |volume=I to VI), London:
"Nor seek to get his patron's favour, by embarking himself in the factions of the family; to enquire after domestic simulties, their sports or affections."
— 1641, Ben Jonson, Discoveries Made upon Men and Matter:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
They will ____ on their journey across the ocean tomorrow morning.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The travelers were ready to ____ on their long journey across Asia.