Sail vs. Voyage: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 5, 2023
Moving by water using fabric sheets (sails); also a journey on such a vessel. A long journey involving travel by sea or in space.
Key Differences
Sail and Voyage, while seemingly synonymous due to their nautical contexts, carry discrete implications. "Sail" leans into the act or art of navigating the water using sails. It is both a noun and a verb, thus one can sail (verb) a boat or refer to the ship's sail (noun). Contrastingly, "Voyage" primarily signifies the journey itself, notably one that is longer and traverses through water or space. It does not imply the method of travel or medium, making it distinct from sail.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
The word "Sail" can illustrate both the process and medium of navigation. When we examine the word 'sail' we can witness this duality: "Let's sail to the island" (verb) vs. "The sail catches the wind efficiently" (noun). Voyage relinquishes this duality, firmly placing itself as a term that encapsulates a journey, devoid of hinting at the vehicle or method used. Thus, “Voyage” concentrates on the concept and duration of a journey instead of the intricacies of navigation or vehicle anatomy.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
"Sail" often associates itself with a skill set or physical entity, having layers that encompass the tangible and technique-related aspects of nautical journeys. It implies a specific mode of transport, one that involves sails and, by extension, wind. On the other hand, "Voyage" embodies an expedition or trip that is marked by its length or significance and does not dwell on the method or medium of travel, therefore making it applicable to describe travels in spacecraft as well.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Notably, "Sail" can be ingrained in the identity of the vessel or journey. A sailing ship or a sailboat is thus named because of its reliance on sails for movement. The act of sailing becomes a descriptor of the vessel, intertwining with its identity. Conversely, "Voyage" remains detached from vehicle descriptors, instead of slipping into the role of defining the journey’s length or perhaps, adventure. A "voyage" can be accomplished via varied vehicles - ships, boats, or spacecraft - without altering its fundamental meaning.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
Furthermore, it’s compelling to observe the metaphorical uses of "Sail" and "Voyage". "Sail" can metaphorically convey smooth progression, e.g., "She sails through her studies effortlessly". "Voyage," metaphorically, is often employed to describe life’s long, intricate journey with its highs and lows, marking a passage through time and experiences. Both words, while concretely grounded in travel, navigate through metaphorical oceans, offering richer layers to language and expression.
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
A method/act of sea travel using sails.
A long journey, especially by sea or space.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Method Specificity
Specific to sail-powered vessels.
Not specific to travel method.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
Metaphorical Usage
Can imply smooth progression.
Often symbolizes a lengthy, significant journey.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
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Sail and Voyage Definitions
Sail
A piece of material extended on a mast to catch the wind.
The sail billowed as the wind blew strongly.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Voyage
The course or path taken by a long journey.
The voyage to the new world was fraught with peril and adventure.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Sail
To begin a journey by sea.
The pirates sail at dawn in search of treasure.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Voyage
To make a journey typically by sea or space.
The explorers voyaged to unknown territories in search of new lands.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
Sail
To glide through smoothly and effortlessly.
Her fingers sail across the piano keys, creating a melodic tune.
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
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Voyage
To undertake a journey of discovery or adventure.
They voyaged through dense forests and over towering mountains.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Sail
A trip on a body of water, specifically in a sailboat.
Our afternoon sail was relaxing and refreshing.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Voyage
A long journey involving travel by sea or space.
The astronaut prepared for his voyage to Mars.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Sail
A piece of fabric sewn together and fitted to the spars and rigging of a vessel so as to convert the force of the wind into forward motion of the vessel.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Voyage
A detailed account or report of a journey.
The captain kept a log of his voyages.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Voyage
Often voyages The events of a journey of exploration or discovery considered as material for a narrative.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Sail
Something, such as the blade of a windmill, that resembles a sail in form or function.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Sail
To move across the surface of water, especially by means of a sailing vessel.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Sail
To start out on such a voyage or journey
Tomorrow we sail for the islands.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Sail
To move along or progress smoothly or effortlessly
Sailed into the room five minutes late.
Sailed through the exam.
Sailed through the red light.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Voyage
Formerly, a passage either by sea or land; a journey, in general; but not chiefly limited to a passing by sea or water from one place, port, or country, to another; especially, a passing or journey by water to a distant place or country.
I love a sea voyage and a blustering tempest.
So steers the prudent craneHer annual voyage, borne on winds.
All the voyage of their lifeIs bound in shallows and in miseries.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Voyage
The act or practice of traveling.
Nations have interknowledge of one another by voyage into foreign parts, or strangers that come to them.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Voyage
To take a voyage; especially, to sail or pass by water.
A mind foreverVoyaging through strange seas of thought alone.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Sail
(nautical) A piece of fabric attached to a boat and arranged such that it causes the wind to drive the boat along. The sail may be attached to the boat via a combination of mast, spars and ropes.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Voyage
To travel; to pass over; to traverse.
With what pain[I] voyaged the unreal, vast, unbounded deep.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Sail
The concept of a sail or sails, as if a substance.
Take in sail: a storm is coming.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Sail
(uncountable) The power harnessed by a sail or sails, or the use of this power for travel or transport.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Voyage
Travel by boat on a boat propelled by wind or by other means;
The QE2 will sail to Southampton tomorrow
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Sail
A sailing vessel; a vessel of any kind; a craft.
Twenty sail were in sight.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Sail
A tower-like structure found on the dorsal (topside) surface of submarines.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Sail
(paleontology) an outward projection of the spine, occurring in certain dinosaurs and synapsids
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Sail
To be impelled or driven forward by the action of wind upon sails, as a ship on water; to be impelled on a body of water by steam or other power.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Sail
(intransitive) To set sail; to begin a voyage.
We sail for Australia tomorrow.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Sail
(intransitive) To move briskly but sedately.
The duchess sailed haughtily out of the room.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Sail
An extent of canvas or other fabric by means of which the wind is made serviceable as a power for propelling vessels through the water.
Behoves him now both sail and oar.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Sail
To be impelled or driven forward by the action of wind upon sails, as a ship on water; to be impelled on a body of water by the action of steam or other power.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Sail
To be conveyed in a vessel on water; to pass by water; as, they sailed from London to Canton.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Sail
To move smoothly through the air; to glide through the air without apparent exertion, as a bird.
As is a winged messenger of heaven, . . .When he bestrides the lazy pacing clouds,And sails upon the bosom of the air.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Sail
To pass or move upon, as in a ship, by means of sails; hence, to move or journey upon (the water) by means of steam or other force.
A thousand ships were manned to sail the sea.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Sail
To fly through; to glide or move smoothly through.
Sublime she sailsThe aërial space, and mounts the wingèd gales.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Sail
To direct or manage the motion of, as a vessel; as, to sail one's own ship.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Sail
A large piece of fabric (as canvas) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Sail
Traverse or travel by ship on (a body of water);
We sailed the Atlantic
He sailed the Pacific all alone
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Sail
Move with sweeping, effortless, gliding motions;
The diva swept into the room
Shreds of paper sailed through the air
The searchlights swept across the sky
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Sail
Travel in a boat propelled by wind;
I love sailing, especially on the open sea
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Sail
Travel by boat on a boat propelled by wind or by other means;
The QE2 will sail to Southampton tomorrow
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 05, 2022
Sail
The act of moving across water in a vessel powered by sails.
We will sail across the lake this weekend.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
FAQs
Can "Voyage" be used as a verb?
Yes, "Voyage" can be used as a verb, although it’s more commonly utilized as a noun.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Does "Voyage" always refer to a nautical journey?
No, "Voyage" refers to a long journey which can be by sea, space, or occasionally, by land.
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Sail" refer to any kind of journey?
Typically, "Sail" refers to a journey or movement conducted via a sail-powered vessel.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Is "Sail" a noun or a verb?
"Sail" can be both a noun and a verb, depending on the usage.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Does a "Voyage" always imply a significant journey?
Generally, "Voyage" implies a journey of some length or significance, often exploratory or adventurous in nature.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Voyage" refer to a daily or regular trip?
Rarely. "Voyage" usually denotes a journey of considerable length, not regular, short travels.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Sail" be used metaphorically?
Yes, "Sail" can metaphorically suggest smooth movement or progression.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Voyage" be used for non-physical journeys?
Yes, metaphorically it can (e.g., "a voyage of the mind").
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
Does "Voyage" indicate safe travels?
No, "Voyage" doesn’t imply the safety or ease of a journey.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Is "Sail" specific to the type of vessel used?
Yes, "Sail" specifically pertains to vessels propelled by sails.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Does "Sail" imply the presence of wind?
Generally, yes, since sails require wind to function as a mode of propulsion.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Does "Sail" refer to the action or the apparatus?
It can refer to both the action of sailing and the physical sails used to catch the wind.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Is "Voyage" used metaphorically?
"Voyage" can be used metaphorically to describe a long, transformative journey, often life itself.
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Sail" be used to describe a short trip?
Yes, "Sail" doesn’t specify journey duration and can denote short trips if the context allows.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Does "Sail" necessarily mean the journey has started?
Not always. “Sail” might also refer to future or potential journeys (e.g., "We sail at dawn").
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Sail" be used in a negative context?
Yes, it can be used in various contexts, including negative ones (e.g., "sail into trouble").
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Sail" refer to non-nautical contexts?
Rarely, though metaphorically it can be used in varied contexts (e.g., "sail through exams").
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Voyage" describe a stationary experience?
No, "Voyage" inherently involves movement or progression from one place to another.
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
Does "Voyage" require a specific start or end point?
Not specifically, but it implies substantial travel from one location to another.
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Voyage" refer to regular commuting?
No, "Voyage" does not typically refer to daily commuting but to longer, more substantial journeys.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
