How Do You Spell CIRCUMNAVIGATE?
Pronunciation: [sˌɜːkəmnˈavɪɡˌe͡ɪt] (IPA) 
Pronunciation: [sˌɜːkəmnˈavɪɡˌe͡ɪt] (IPA)
Circumnavigate, verb:
To circumnavigate means to travel, sail, or fly all the way around (something), typically referring to a trip around the Earth or a large body of water. It involves completing a full circuit or accomplishing a complete journey around a particular place or object. This term is commonly used in relation to navigation and exploration, emphasizing the act of encircling or going around.
When applied to seafaring, "circumnavigate" refers to a voyage that follows a global route, crossing various meridians and traversing both hemispheres. It entails the process of navigating around the Earth, often accomplished by following specific courses, utilizing navigational instruments, and adjusting for prevailing winds and currents. Notably, circumnavigating implies returning to the starting point after encircling the world.
In a broader sense, "circumnavigate" can also be understood metaphorically to indicate the completion of a comprehensive, inclusive, or exhaustive journey in a particular field or pursuit. It implies exploring or encompassing all aspects or facets of a subject matter or task.
The term traces its origins to the Latin words "circum," meaning ‘around,’ and "navigare," meaning ‘to sail.’ It gained prominence during the Age of Discovery when intrepid explorers like Magellan and Cook embarked on historic circumnavigations, expanding human knowledge and understanding of the Earth's geography. Today, "circumnavigate" continues to be widely used in both literal and figurative contexts, highlighting the act of encircling or completing a full journey, either physically or metaphorically.
To sail round, as the world; to pass round by water.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word circumnavigate originates from Latin. It is formed by combining two Latin words, circum meaning around and navigare meaning to sail. Therefore, circumnavigate literally means to sail around.
