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Difference between vacation and holiday


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Can anyone tell me what the difference is between vacation and holiday?

I think it's that you go on vacation, to some tropical paradise or something. And you have a holiday, so you don't have to go to school/work, is that correct?

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Vacation is when you take an authorized break from either your education or your job for a designated period of time. A holiday is a day or period of time dedicated by a government, culture or religion for a person or event of significance. :P

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In addition, speakers this side of the pond use both the singular and plural of holiday, in much the same way an American speaker would use vacation. The word 'vacation' is largely regarded as an Americanization and isn't often used (though, when it is, it means to temporarily leave - vacate - a place or job). The phrase 'Bank holiday' is used in Britain in the context Tim describes: a day set aside by the government where many people don't work.

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