What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sabbatical
Example
The professor went on a sabbatical to conduct research in Europe. [sabbatical: noun]
Example
She took a six-month sabbatical to travel the world and explore different cultures. [sabbatical: adjective]
vacation
Example
We're going on vacation to Hawaii next month. [vacation: noun]
Example
He likes to vacation in the mountains to escape the city and enjoy nature. [vacation: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vacation is more commonly used than sabbatical in everyday language. Vacation is a widely recognized term that covers a broad range of contexts, while sabbatical is a more specialized term used primarily in academic or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sabbatical and vacation?
Sabbatical is generally considered a more formal term than vacation. It is often associated with academic or professional contexts and may be less common in casual or informal conversations.