itinerary
B2formal/neutral
Definition
Meaning
A detailed plan or route of a journey.
A documented schedule of events, appointments, or travel arrangements; also, a book describing a route or travel.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to a planned sequence. Can be a physical document or a digital schedule. Implies structure and organization.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Slightly more formal in both varieties. In US English, 'schedule' or 'agenda' might be more common in non-travel business contexts.
Frequency
Comparable frequency; common in travel, tourism, and formal business planning contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
have + an itineraryplan + an itinerarysend + someone + an itineraryinclude + in + the itineraryaccording to + the itineraryVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Stick to the itinerary”
- “Off the itinerary (meaning deviating from the plan)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A document outlining a business trip, including flights, meetings, and accommodations.
Academic
A planned route for a field trip or research expedition.
Everyday
A holiday travel plan listing flights, hotels, and activities.
Technical
In logistics, a detailed route plan for a vehicle or shipment.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The itinerary details were emailed to all delegates.
- We need an itinerary change form.
American English
- Please check the itinerary information online.
- An itinerary update was sent this morning.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Our holiday itinerary has flights and hotels.
- Could you send me the itinerary for the business trip?
- The proposed itinerary includes three site visits and a client dinner.
- Despite a meticulously planned itinerary, the diplomatic mission had to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'I, Tina, err... I need a clear itinerary!' It helps you know where you are.
Conceptual Metaphor
A JOURNEY IS A DOCUMENT / LIFE IS A JOURNEY (with an itinerary as its script).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'маршрут' (route) which is just the path. 'Itinerary' includes times, stops, and details.
- Avoid direct translation as 'путеводитель' which is a 'guidebook'.
- Not synonymous with 'график' (schedule/chart) which is more abstract.
Common Mistakes
- Pronounced as /ɪˈtɪnəri/ (missing syllables).
- Using 'itinerary' for a simple list without time/sequence.
- Misspelling as 'itinary' or 'iternerary'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'itinerary' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while most common for travel, it can be used for any detailed plan of events with a sequence, like a conference or a formal visit.
'Itinerary' often implies movement between locations or a journey, while 'schedule' is a more general plan of timed events, not necessarily involving travel.
UK: /aɪˈtɪnərəri/ (eye-TIN-uh-ruh-ree). US: /aɪˈtɪnəreri/ (eye-TIN-uh-rair-ee). Stress is on the second syllable.
No, 'itinerary' is only a noun. The related verb is 'itinerate', but it is rare and means 'to travel from place to place', often used for preachers or judges.