adventure and exploration

[quietdandelion]

Have you ever longed to take an exotic adventure vacation? The Danum Valley, located on Borneo, the third largest island in the world, beckons adventurers to come and experience the wild.


In our language, adventure and exploration are about the same, but I wonder they are so to native speakers of English. Am I right? Thanks.

 

[AngelEyes]

I think there's a subtle difference in English, quietdandelion.

An explorer seeks knowledge and discovery in his quest.

An adventurer's main goal is finding exciting experiences and challenges.

Both require competitive natures, but their purpose for using them is different.


AngelEyes

 

[quietdandelion]

Thanks, Angel.
I agree with you--I can sense the subtle differences now.
By the way, are the two words close in meaning to you? Do you have to think about them before you can tell the differences?

 

[AngelEyes]

No, I have no problem choosing which one to use, but I'm a native, don't forget. I admire all of you here who can learn English so well!

Think of it this way:

If your sentence is about fun and good times, use adventurer/adventure.

If it's more academic or about a subject that concerns knowledge and learning(discovery), use explorer/exploration.


AngelEyes

 

[quietdandelion]

Thanks, Angel.

 

[AngelEyes]

QD,

I thought of a third use of these words in sentences.

Sometimes we combine the two:

1. Enjoy the thrilling adventure of exploring new cultures.

2. Explore the many adventures waiting for you on top of that hill.

So don't forget that sometimes you can use both of them in the same sentence to add greater emphasis.


AngelEyes

 

[quietdandelion]

Thanks, Angel.
You're really knowledgeable and gifted.