What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
circumambulate
Example
The pilgrims circumambulated the temple as part of their religious ceremony. [circumambulate: verb]
Example
She enjoyed circumambulating the lake every morning to start her day. [circumambulating: gerund or present participle]
circumnavigate
Example
Magellan was the first explorer to successfully circumnavigate the globe. [circumnavigate: verb]
Example
They decided to circumnavigate the traffic by taking a different route. [circumnavigating: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Circumnavigate is more commonly used than circumambulate in everyday language. Circumnavigate is a widely recognized term for traveling around the world or a large body of water, while circumambulate is less common and mainly used in specific contexts such as religious or ceremonial practices.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between circumambulate and circumnavigate?
While circumambulate is associated with a more formal and specialized tone due to its religious and ceremonial connotations, circumnavigate is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
