odyssey

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'odyssey' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to describe a long, complex journey or experience. For example, "After years of searching, Sam finally completed his odyssey to find his long lost brother."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is an odyssey in the originalsense of the word – protracted, circuitous, not necessarily bound to end.

The Guardian

He's hitting Red Ed with some facts that he's read That smacks of a weird personal odyssey.

The Guardian - Opinion

INDIA Visit the famous Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra and Jaipur) on a six-night trip with Indian Odyssey (08454 300107; indianodyssey.co.uk).co.uk

The Guardian - Travel

Burnham's mid-life crisis is played as a suburban rejig of The Odyssey; a heroic mythic journey set down amid the strip-malls and side-streets of middle-class USA.

The Guardian - Film

Over glasses of water in a Philippine cafe in a Doha suburba populated by migrant workers, the women laid bare their wretched six-month odyssey, which has left them on the brink of despair and repatriation.

The Guardian

This was just one emotion I felt during my shoemaking odyssey.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Single-country passes are also available for 27 European countries.' Laura Burgess from Ecoescape: 'I'd suggest a Scottish odyssey.

The Guardian - Travel

In the course of that epic odyssey, I made the following entry in my notebook: "The wind sucks and blows.

The Guardian - Travel

Mike Carter, travel writer and author of Uneasy Rider, a solo motorbike odyssey round Europe Even if you've only got one or two weeks, it's worth embracing your inner backpacker.

The Guardian - Travel

Foxx's odyssey from captive slave to mythical avenger, enabled by Waltz's liberal German "dentist", is often an exhilarating ride, though the action is constantly slowed up by Tarantino's love of his own dialogue – if only he'd kept that chained in.

The Guardian - Film

You Shall Know Our Velocity centres on two childhood friends who set out on a dizzying week-long, round-the-world odyssey with the aim of giving away a large sum of money to a deserving, yet-to-be determined cause.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "odyssey" to describe a journey that is not only long but also filled with significant experiences and changes. It's more than just travel; it's a transformative process.

Common error

Avoid using "odyssey" simply to describe any long trip. Reserve it for journeys that involve significant challenges, discoveries, and personal growth. A simple vacation is not an "odyssey".

Linguistic Context

The word "odyssey" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a long and eventful journey, often involving challenges and transformations. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is usable and correct in written English. The examples show its use in various contexts, from personal experiences to historical events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Film

16%

Travel

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "odyssey" is a versatile noun used to describe a long, eventful, and transformative journey. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently appears in reputable sources like The Guardian and The Economist. While commonly found in news and media, it's crucial to reserve it for journeys that entail substantial challenges and personal growth. Alternatives such as "epic journey" or "arduous quest" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

epic journey

Emphasizes the grand scale and historical significance of the journey.

long voyage

Focuses on the physical aspect of traveling a great distance.

arduous quest

Highlights the difficulty and challenges involved in the pursuit.

perilous adventure

Stresses the element of danger and risk during the journey.

spiritual pilgrimage

Implies a journey with a religious or deeply personal purpose.

intellectual exploration

Shifts the focus to a journey of discovery and learning.

extended expedition

Highlights the planned and organized nature of a long journey.

protracted undertaking

Emphasizes the long duration and demanding nature of the task.

complex experience

Focuses on the intricate and multifaceted nature of the event.

personal transformation

Highlights the inner changes and growth resulting from the journey.

FAQs

How can I use "odyssey" in a sentence?

You can use "odyssey" to describe a long and eventful journey. For example: "His journey through the corporate world was a real "odyssey".".

What can I say instead of "odyssey"?

You can use alternatives like "epic journey", "long voyage", or "arduous quest" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "odyssey" or "journey"?

"Odyssey" and "journey" are both correct, but they have different connotations. "Odyssey" implies a long, adventurous, and transformative journey, while "journey" is a more general term.

What's the difference between "odyssey" and "pilgrimage"?

"Odyssey" typically refers to a long and eventful journey filled with challenges and discoveries. A "pilgrimage", on the other hand, is a journey, often to a sacred place, undertaken for religious or spiritual purposes.