English language contains many pairs of words with similar meanings, such as abroad and overseas. Both of these words generally refer to a place outside of one’s own country. They are often used interchangeably as though they are synonyms. However, there are subtle differences that necessitate the use of one or the other in certain contexts.
Key Takeaways
- Abroad refers to a country or region other than one’s own and is used when a person is going to a nearby country by crossing mainland, not going over the sea.
- Overseas comes from the times when sea voyages were the only way to reach other countries and is used when crossing over seas to reach another nation.
- In most cases, abroad and overseas are interchangeable and synonymous, but it is better to use overseas when traveling over the sea.
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