trek
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for trek, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A long, often difficult journey, especially on foot.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use trek
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Afrikaans trek, from Dutch trekken, "to pull or migrate" — originally describing the long ox-wagon migrations of Boer settlers in South Africa.
Full origin of trek →Frequently asked questions
What does “trek” mean?
The word “trek” means a long, often difficult journey, especially on foot. In plain terms, a trek is a long, tough journey, usually on foot; to trek is to make one.
How do you pronounce “trek”?
“Trek” is pronounced trehk (/tɹɛk/ in IPA).
How do you use “trek” in a sentence?
Here is “trek” used in a sentence: “They set out on a three-day trek through the Himalayas.”
What part of speech is “trek”?
Depending on how it is used, “trek” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “trek” come from?
The word “trek” comes from Dutch. From Afrikaans trek, from Dutch trekken, "to pull or migrate" — originally describing the long ox-wagon migrations of Boer settlers in South Africa.
Is “trek” a common word?
“Trek” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “trek” have?
“Trek” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long, often difficult journey, especially on foot.
What is the difference between a 'trek' and a 'hike'?
A hike is a fairly long walk taken for pleasure or exercise, usually completed in a day. A trek is longer, harder, and often lasts several days, suggesting a demanding journey over rough or remote terrain. Every trek involves walking, but a trek is more arduous than a typical hike.
What is the difference between a 'trek' and a 'journey'?
A journey is any act of travelling from one place to another, by any means. A trek specifically implies a long and difficult journey, most often made on foot. Calling travel a 'trek' stresses the effort and hardship involved.
When should you use 'trek' instead of 'walk'?
Use 'trek' rather than 'walk' when the journey is long, tiring, and often over difficult ground, as in trekking through mountains. 'Walk' suits ordinary, everyday distances. 'Trek' can also be used humorously for any journey that feels longer than it should.
Is 'trek' formal or informal?
'Trek' is neutral and works in both formal and informal English, from travel writing to casual conversation. It often carries a sense of adventure or effort. Informally, people use it to complain about a tediously long trip, as in 'it's quite a trek to the station.'