safari
C1Neutral to formal; the 'journey' sense can be informal.
Definition
Meaning
An expedition, often for the purpose of observing or hunting wild animals, especially in eastern Africa.
1) A journey or expedition of any kind, often implying adventure or exploration. 2) The browsing software developed by Apple Inc.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The core sense is strongly associated with Africa, wildlife, and tourism. The computing sense is a proprietary eponym.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The core meaning is identical. The verb 'to safari' is rare in both but slightly more attested in British English from colonial-era texts.
Connotations
In British English, it may retain slightly stronger historical colonial associations. In American English, the computing sense is more immediately salient for many speakers.
Frequency
Comparatively similar frequency for the core meaning. The computing sense ('Safari browser') is globally common.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[go/be] on a safari[take/lead/organise] a safarisafari to [country/park]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on safari”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
In tourism: 'The company specializes in high-end safari packages.'
Academic
In anthropology/ecology: 'The study documented predator behaviour during a prolonged safari.'
Everyday
'We're saving up to go on a safari in Kenya next year.'
Technical
In computing: 'Clear your cache and cookies in Safari.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The early explorers would safari for months into uncharted territory.
- He safaried across the Serengeti in the 1920s.
American English
- They planned to safari through the national parks.
- The documentary team is safaring to film the migration.
adjective
British English
- He wore a classic safari suit.
- The lodge had a rustic safari aesthetic.
American English
- She bought a new safari hat for the trip.
- The truck was outfitted with safari gear.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We saw lions on our safari.
- He has a photo from his safari.
- The family went on a safari in Tanzania last summer.
- A good safari guide knows where to find the animals.
- Organising a budget-friendly safari requires careful research of reputable operators.
- The documentary contrasted a modern luxury safari with the expeditions of a century ago.
- Critics argue that some safari practices prioritise tourist experience over ecological welfare.
- His memoirs from safaring in the colonial era present a problematic but historically valuable perspective.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think SAFARI: See Animals Freely And Roam In (the wild).
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY / EXPLORATION IS A HUNT
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'сафари' as a style of clothing (safari jacket). The Russian borrowing refers specifically to the activity/journey.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a general synonym for 'holiday' (e.g., 'We went on a safari to Spain' is odd unless referring to a specific wildlife park).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'safari' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes. While it can be used for wildlife trips elsewhere (e.g., 'jungle safari in India'), its core association remains with eastern and southern Africa.
Yes, but it is rare and considered somewhat archaic or stylised (e.g., 'They safaried across the plain'). The more common construction is 'go on a safari'.
It comes from the Swahili word 'safari', meaning 'journey', which itself derives from the Arabic 'safar' (a journey).
A safari typically involves travelling through natural habitats to see wild animals in situ. A zoo is a confined facility where animals are kept in enclosures for public viewing.
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