Arrive vs. Depart — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 21, 2024
Arrive refers to reaching a destination, while depart means to leave a starting point.
Difference Between Arrive and Depart
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Arriving denotes the conclusion of a journey or movement, indicating the moment one reaches a specific place or state. In contrast, departing signifies the initiation of a journey, marking the moment of leaving a place or starting an endeavor. This fundamental difference reflects opposite stages in the course of travel or transition.
The emotional connotations of arriving and departing can vary greatly. Arriving often brings feelings of accomplishment, relief, or excitement, as it typically marks the end of a journey or the attainment of a goal. Departing, however, can evoke anticipation, sadness, or anxiety, as it involves leaving the familiar behind and embarking on a new journey or challenge.
Culturally and in literature, arriving is frequently associated with welcome and celebration, such as arriving home or at a desired goal. Departing, on the other hand, can symbolize beginnings, farewells, or even exile, carrying a sense of adventure or loss.
In logistics and planning, the concepts of arrival and departure are crucial for scheduling and coordination. Arrival times determine when resources or individuals are available at a location, while departure times establish when they begin their journey to the next destination.
Comparison Chart
Definition
To reach a destination or a point in time.
To leave a starting point or commence a journey.
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Stage in Journey
Signifies the end or conclusion of a journey.
Indicates the beginning or initiation of a journey.
Emotional Connotation
Often associated with relief, accomplishment, or welcome.
Can evoke feelings of anticipation, sadness, or adventure.
Cultural Association
Linked with welcome, achievement, and celebration.
Frequently symbolizes farewells, beginnings, or exile.
Importance in Logistics
Crucial for determining availability at a location.
Essential for scheduling departures and transitions.
Compare with Definitions
Arrive
To reach a destination or end point.
After a long flight, we finally arrived in Paris.
Depart
To leave a place, especially at the start of a journey.
The train departs at 8 a.m. sharp.
Arrive
In a broader sense, to achieve a goal or status.
She has arrived in her career after years of hard work.
Depart
To deviate or diverge from a course or standard.
The narrative departs from traditional storytelling norms.
Arrive
To come into existence or attention.
A new trend has arrived on the fashion scene.
Depart
To start a new phase or activity.
He departed for college, ready for new challenges.
Arrive
To be delivered or become available.
The package is expected to arrive by tomorrow.
Depart
To pass away or die, used euphemistically.
The beloved artist departed last winter.
Arrive
To come to a certain point in time or event.
The moment to make a decision has arrived.
Depart
To exit a role or position.
The CEO departed the company after a decade of leadership.
Arrive
To reach a destination.
Depart
To go away; leave
I depart for the islands at noon.
Arrive
To come at length; take place
The day of reckoning has arrived.
Depart
To die.
Arrive
To achieve success or recognition
He had finally arrived as a designer.
Depart
To vary, as from a regular course; deviate
Depart from custom.
Arrive
To reach; to get to a certain place.
We arrived at the hotel and booked in.
He arrived home for two days.
Depart
To go away from; leave
"I departed the oppressive building quickly ... without a backward glance" (Joyce Carol Oates).
Arrive
(intransitive) To obtain a level of success or fame; to succeed.
He had finally arrived on Broadway.
Depart
(intransitive) To leave.
Arrive
To come; said of time.
The time has arrived for us to depart.
Depart
(intransitive) To set out on a journey.
Arrive
To happen or occur.
Depart
To die.
Arrive
To reach; to come to.
Depart
To disappear, vanish; to cease to exist.
Arrive
To bring to shore.
Depart
(intransitive) To deviate (from), be different (from), fail to conform.
His latest statements seemed to depart from party policy somewhat.
To depart from a title or defence in legal pleading
Arrive
To come to the shore or bank. In present usage: To come in progress by water, or by traveling on land; to reach by water or by land; - followed by at (formerly sometimes by to), also by in and from.
[Æneas] sailing with a fleet from Sicily, arrived . . . and landed in the country of Laurentum.
There was no outbreak till the regiment arrived at Ipswich.
Depart
(transitive) To go away from; to leave.
Arrive
To reach a point by progressive motion; to gain or compass an object by effort, practice, study, inquiry, reasoning, or experiment.
When he arrived at manhood.
We arrive at knowledge of a law of nature by the generalization of facts.
If at great things thou wouldst arrive.
Depart
To divide up; to distribute, share.
Arrive
To come; said of time; as, the time arrived.
Depart
To separate, part.
Arrive
To happen or occur.
Happy! to whom this glorious death arrives.
Depart
(obsolete) Division; separation, as of compound substances.
Arrive
To bring to shore.
And made the sea-trod ship arrive them.
Depart
(obsolete) A going away; departure.
Arrive
To reach; to come to.
Ere he arrive the happy isle.
Ere we could arrive the point proposed.
Arrive at last the blessed goal.
Depart
To part; to divide; to separate.
Arrive
Arrival.
How should I joy of thy arrive to hear!
Depart
To go forth or away; to quit, leave, or separate, as from a place or a person; to withdraw; - opposed to arrive; - often with from before the place, person, or thing left, and for or to before the destination.
I will depart to mine own land.
Ere thou from hence depart.
He which hath no stomach to this fight,Let him depart.
Arrive
Reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress;
She arrived home at 7 o'clock
She didn't get to Chicago until after midnight
Depart
To forsake; to abandon; to desist or deviate (from); not to adhere to; - with from; as, we can not depart from our rules; to depart from a title or defense in legal pleading.
If the plan of the convention be found to depart from republican principles.
Arrive
Succeed in a big way; get to the top;
After he published his book, he had arrived
I don't know whether I can make it in science!
You will go far, my boy!
Depart
To pass away; to perish.
The glory is departed from Israel.
Depart
To quit this world; to die.
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace.
Depart
To part thoroughly; to dispart; to divide; to separate.
Till death departed them, this life they lead.
Depart
To divide in order to share; to apportion.
And here is gold, and that full great plentee,That shall departed been among us three.
Depart
To leave; to depart from.
Depart
Division; separation, as of compound substances into their ingredients.
The chymists have a liquor called water of depart.
Depart
A going away; departure; hence, death.
At my depart for France.
Your loss and his depart.
Depart
Move away from a place into another direction;
Go away before I start to cry
The train departs at noon
Depart
Be at variance with; be out of line with
Depart
Leave;
The family took off for Florida
Depart
Go away or leave
Depart
Remove oneself from an association with or participation in;
She wants to leave
The teenager left home
She left her position with the Red Cross
He left the Senate after two terms
After 20 years with the same company, she pulled up stakes
Depart
Wander from a direct or straight course
Common Curiosities
Can "arrive" and "depart" be used metaphorically?
Yes, both can be used metaphorically, such as arriving at a conclusion or departing from tradition.
How do emotions tied to arriving and departing differ?
Arriving often brings relief or joy, as it marks an achievement, whereas departing can evoke sadness or excitement due to the anticipation of what lies ahead.
What is the main difference between arrive and depart?
The main difference lies in their directional nature; arrive focuses on reaching a destination, while depart emphasizes leaving a starting point.
Is it possible to arrive and depart at the same time?
In a literal sense, no; but metaphorically, one could arrive at a new understanding while departing from an old belief.
Why are arrival and departure times important in travel?
They are crucial for scheduling, ensuring timely transitions, and coordinating logistics in travel and transportation.
What does "depart" imply in terms of life or career?
It can imply leaving a phase, position, or even life itself, often indicating significant change or transition.
What role do "arrive" and "depart" play in literature?
They are often used to signify transitions, emotional states, or pivotal moments in a narrative.
Can technology impact how we perceive arrival and departure?
Technology, especially in transportation and communication, can greatly influence the efficiency and perception of these processes.
How do cultural differences influence the concepts of arriving and departing?
Cultural norms and values can shape the rituals, emotions, and significance attached to arrivals and departures.
How does context affect the use of "arrive" and "depart"?
The context, whether it's travel, life stages, or metaphorical usage, greatly influences the interpretation and emotional connotation of these terms.
Can "departing" ever be positive?
Yes, it can signify new beginnings, adventures, and opportunities, thus carrying a positive connotation.
Can "arrive" imply more than just reaching a place?
Yes, it can also mean achieving a status, coming into existence, or becoming available.
What are the implications of arriving and departing in a professional setting?
In a professional context, these terms can relate to job transitions, project phases, and achieving milestones.
Is punctuality important for both arriving and departing?
Yes, being punctual is key to avoiding delays and ensuring smooth transitions in both cases.
How can one prepare for arrivals and departures in life?
Preparation can involve emotional readiness, logistical planning, and embracing change as an inherent part of life's journey.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
