great trek: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Historical, Academic, Formal, Occasionally journalistic/metaphorical.
Quick answer
What does “great trek” mean?
A historical migration of Boer settlers (Voortrekkers) from the British-controlled Cape Colony into the interior of South Africa (1835–1846), seeking independence and establishing republics.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A historical migration of Boer settlers (Voortrekkers) from the British-controlled Cape Colony into the interior of South Africa (1835–1846), seeking independence and establishing republics.
Any large-scale, arduous migration or journey undertaken by a group of people seeking new territory, freedom, or a better life, often implying hardship and pioneering spirit. Can also refer metaphorically to a significant, challenging transition or project.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally recognized in both varieties due to its historical specificity. British English may have slightly more familiarity due to colonial history. In metaphorical use, both varieties employ it similarly.
Connotations
In both varieties, the primary historical reference is neutral/factual. In metaphorical use, it can be slightly humorous or ironic when describing a mundane group journey (e.g., a family road trip).
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse. Higher frequency in historical, South African, or academic contexts. Metaphorical use is rare but possible.
Grammar
How to Use “great trek” in a Sentence
[Subject] undertook a great trek to [destination]The Great Trek of [group] from [origin] to [destination]It was a great trek across [terrain]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “great trek” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The pioneers were trekking great distances.
- They had to trek great lengths to find water.
American English
- The settlers trekked across the plains.
- We trekked a great way to get here.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; 'great' does not modify 'trek' adverbially in this fixed phrase.)
American English
- (Not standard; 'great' does not modify 'trek' adverbially in this fixed phrase.)
adjective
British English
- It was a trek of great importance.
- They faced great trekking challenges.
American English
- A great trekking expedition was planned.
- He had great trekking experience.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly metaphorical: 'The company's great trek into the Asian market was fraught with regulatory challenges.'
Academic
Common in history, African studies, and colonial studies: 'The Great Trek fundamentally reshaped the political landscape of Southern Africa.'
Everyday
Very rare. Humorous/metaphorical: 'Getting the kids to school in this snow feels like a great trek.'
Technical
Specific to historical narratives and geography. Not used in STEM fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “great trek”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “great trek”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “great trek”
- Using lowercase for the specific historical event ('great trek').
- Confusing it with the 'Oregon Trail' or other migrations.
- Using it to describe an individual's journey.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when referring specifically to the 1835-1846 South African event. In metaphorical use, it is often not capitalized (e.g., 'a great trek').
It is atypical. The term strongly implies a collective, large-scale movement. For an individual, words like 'odyssey', 'epic journey', or simply 'long trek' are more natural.
In South African history, they are often used interchangeably to refer to the same event. 'The Great Trek' is the more formal, full name.
No. It is a specialized historical term. Most English speakers would recognize it but not use it in daily conversation unless discussing history or employing a deliberate metaphor.
A historical migration of Boer settlers (Voortrekkers) from the British-controlled Cape Colony into the interior of South Africa (1835–1846), seeking independence and establishing republics.
Great trek is usually historical, academic, formal, occasionally journalistic/metaphorical. in register.
Great trek: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt ˈtrek/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt ˈtrek/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(not commonly idiomatic; the term itself is a historical reference)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: GREAT effort + TREKking journey = The GREAT TREK by Boers seeking a GREATER life away from British rule.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY (specifically, a difficult, purposeful, collective journey towards a goal).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'Great Trek' most accurately used?