foray
B2 (Upper Intermediate)Formal or literary. Common in journalism, historical writing, business (when discussing diversification), and literature.
Definition
Meaning
A sudden, brief, and often tentative venture into new territory or a new activity.
A sudden, often military, raid or incursion into enemy territory; a brief, initial attempt at something new or different.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a degree of risk, unpreparedness, or unfamiliarity. Often used when the main activity or expertise lies elsewhere (e.g., a chef's foray into politics). Can have a neutral, slightly adventurous, or slightly negative connotation (suggesting a lack of serious commitment or expertise).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage frequency.
Connotations
Slightly more common in UK media when describing business diversification. In US contexts, may be slightly more associated with military/literal raids in historical contexts.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
make a foray into [noun]foray into [noun]foray against [enemy/territory] (military)her/his/its first forayVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A foray into the unknown.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Describes a company's attempt to enter a new market or product line (e.g., 'The tech giant's foray into electric vehicles was widely reported').
Academic
Used in history for military raids; in literary criticism for an author's work in a new genre.
Everyday
Used for personal attempts at new hobbies or activities (e.g., 'My foray into gardening ended with several dead plants').
Technical
Less common. Could be used in ecology for a species entering a new habitat.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The band's foray into jazz fusion confused their core fans.
- The historian detailed the Viking foray along the coast.
- Her foray into freelance work proved more difficult than expected.
American English
- The company's foray into the smartphone market was short-lived.
- The book chronicles the general's disastrous foray into enemy territory.
- After his successful foray into acting, he returned to music.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- His first foray into cooking was a simple pasta dish.
- The company made a foray into the European market last year.
- The author's foray into science fiction received mixed reviews from her usual readers.
- The brief military foray was intended to gather intelligence, not to occupy land.
- Critics panned the acclaimed director's ill-advised foray into romantic comedy, citing a fundamental mismatch of sensibilities.
- The venture capital firm's foray into biotechnology represents a significant strategic pivot from its traditional investments.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a FORest rAY of sunlight – it suddenly and briefly touches a new part of the dark forest, just like a 'foray' is a brief venture into new territory.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXPLORATION/INVASION IS A JOURNEY INTO UNKNOWN TERRITORY. (e.g., 'foray into the world of...', 'foray across the border').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not a direct equivalent of 'набег' (raid) in all contexts. 'Foray' is often less violent and can be purely commercial or intellectual. 'Поход' (trip/hike) is too recreational. 'Эксперимент' (experiment) lacks the sudden/initial aspect. Best translated as 'вылазка' (for a short venture), 'попытка проникновения' (attempted entry), or 'дебют' (for a first attempt).
Common Mistakes
- Using it for a long-term commitment (e.g., 'his foray into medicine lasted 40 years' – incorrect). Misspelling as 'forrey' or 'forayy'. Confusing with 'forage' (to search for food).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'foray' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is less common than the noun form. It means 'to make a raid or brief venture'. (e.g., 'They forayed into the forest to gather supplies.')
It is generally neutral but context-dependent. It can imply adventurousness (positive) or a lack of serious commitment/planning (slightly negative).
An 'excursion' is a short journey for pleasure. A 'foray' implies a venture into unfamiliar or potentially risky territory, often with a specific purpose (attack, experiment).
Yes, it's common in business journalism to describe a company's attempt to enter a new market or develop a new product outside its core expertise.