Definition
an exciting, unusual, and sometimes dangerous experience
a. the feeling that you want to have new and exciting experiences
Origin and usage
The word adventure comes from the Latin word ‘adventurus’ meaning ‘a thing about to happen’. It first appeared in English in the 1200s in reference to something that happens by chance or by luck. Later on, the word adventure took on additional meanings: around 1300, meaning ‘risk or danger’; in the late 14th century, meaning ‘dangerous undertaking’; in 1560, meaning ‘remarkable occurrence’.
Examples
Adventure is a word that refers to an exciting or perhaps dangerous event or experience.
People who enjoy adventure may travel to exotic or unfamiliar locations, pursue hobbies like scuba diving, rock climbing or flying aeroplanes, try strange foods, suddenly change careers or move to new places frequently.
According to some researchers, people who like adventure have some common characteristics:
• They understand the importance of following their dreams.
• They are not afraid to embrace the present moment.
• They don’t typically give in to fear or anxiety.
• They can ignore negative feedback from others.
• They are open to meeting new people.
• They understand that failures teach lessons.
• They are comfortable being alone.
• They may be inspired by nature or other cultures.
• They are curious about new places and people.
To have an adventure, a person must be able to endure periods of loneliness and frustration, to have confidence in their ability to navigate the unfamiliar, and be open to experiencing joy and excitement in a variety of unexpected places.
Quotations
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”
(Helen Keller)
“If I see anything vital around me, it is precisely that spirit of adventure, which seems indestructible and is akin to curiosity.”
(Marie Curie)
View the full definition in the Macmillan Dictionary.
