circumnavigate

IPA/ˌsɜːkəmˈnævɪɡeɪt/
KK[sˌɚkəmnˈævəɡˌet]IPA/ˌsɜːrkəmˈnævɪɡeɪt/

circumnavigate — verb

  • circumnavigatepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • circumnavigateshe / she / it
  • circumnavigatedpast simple
  • circumnavigating-ing form

1. to travel in a full circle around a large island, a continent, or the earth itse

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to travel in a full circle around a large island, a continent, or the earth itself, most commonly using a boat or plane

例句

In 1519, Magellan set out to circumnavigate the globe for the first time.

circumnavigate the globe — classic collocation for world travel

The Watanabe family spent three years sailing to circumnavigate the Pacific Ocean.

同義詞
  • sail around

    less formal and more specific to water travel only

  • circle

    used for any size object or medium, not restricted to large geographic features

文法句型

circumnavigate + noun phrase

常見錯誤

❌We circumnavigated around the island for three days.
✅We circumnavigated the island in three days.
💡'circumnavigate' already includes the idea of going around, so 'around' is redundant.

2. to walk, drive, or move along a curved path that goes past a person or object so

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to walk, drive, or move along a curved path that goes past a person or object so that you do not touch it

例句

Mert circumnavigated the fallen tree on the hiking trail and carried on up the mountain.

circumnavigate + physical obstacle in outdoor setting

The delivery van had to circumnavigate several parked cars before reaching the loading bay.

同義詞
  • go around

    the everyday equivalent; less formal and much more common

  • bypass

    suggests taking a route that avoids an obstruction entirely

文法句型

circumnavigate + noun phrase (physical obstacle)

用法筆記

The object is typically a physical obstacle in a pathway or a person or animal blocking movement.

常見錯誤

❌I circumnavigated the problem by asking my boss for help.' (for abstract issues)
✅I went around the problem by asking my boss for help.
💡'circumnavigate' in the physical sense should only be used for physical obstacles.

3. to sidestep a law, rule, or restriction by using a clever method that is technic

3.動詞及物C2
釋義

to sidestep a law, rule, or restriction by using a clever method that is technically not forbidden

例句

Some companies circumnavigate import taxes by routing their goods through a neighbouring country.

circumnavigate + regulation — legal/strategic context

Caleb found a legal way to circumnavigate the strict noise regulations in his apartment building.

同義詞
  • get around

    the everyday equivalent; less formal

  • sidestep

    implies actively dodging a restriction rather than planning a clever route around it

  • circumvent

    very close in meaning; 'circumvent' is slightly more common in legal writing

反義詞
  • comply with

    to follow a rule or regulation instead of finding a way past it

  • observe

    to respect and follow a law or rule

文法句型

circumnavigate + noun phrase (rule/law/restriction)

用法筆記

Usually used in formal or legal contexts. The action described is technically legal, distinguishing it from 'violate' or 'break'.

常見錯誤

❌She circumnavigated the traffic by taking the back streets.' (physical obstacle)
✅She avoided the traffic by taking the back streets.
💡For physical traffic, use 'avoid' or 'go around'; 'circumnavigate' in this abstract sense is reserved for rules and systems.