From cruise crusade expedition and campaign identify the word that is the odd one out in meaning.

Introduction / Context:
This verbal reasoning question asks you to find the odd one out among four related words: cruise, crusade, expedition and campaign. Such questions test vocabulary, nuances of meaning and the ability to see conceptual groupings rather than just superficial similarity. Three of the options share a common idea, while the fourth does not fully fit that idea.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Words given: cruise, crusade, expedition, campaign.
• We need to classify them based on their primary meanings in standard English.
• We assume typical general English usage, not rare figurative or specialised meanings.

Concept / Approach:
First, recall the meanings of each word. Crusade, expedition and campaign usually involve a planned, purposeful effort toward a goal. A crusade can be a vigorous movement for a cause. An expedition is a journey made for a specific purpose, such as exploration or research. A campaign is an organised course of action to achieve a target, for example an election campaign or an advertising campaign. In contrast, a cruise is primarily a journey taken for pleasure on a ship, often with no serious mission beyond travel and enjoyment. Therefore, cruise differs in intention and seriousness from the other three words.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Define crusade. It means a strong movement or effort to support or oppose a cause, often with moral or religious overtones. Step 2: Define expedition. It is a planned journey undertaken by a group with a clear aim, such as exploration, war or scientific research. Step 3: Define campaign. This is a series of coordinated activities designed to achieve a social, political, business or military goal. Step 4: Define cruise. A cruise is usually a leisurely voyage, often for relaxation or tourism, lacking a serious mission. Step 5: Group the words. Crusade, expedition and campaign all imply an organised, goal driven effort, while cruise is mainly recreational.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can also test by using the words in comparable sentences. You can say “a military campaign,” “a scientific expedition” and “an environmental crusade,” all of which describe focused efforts. However, “a military cruise” or “a scientific cruise” does not naturally express such a mission. Cruise is more common in phrases like “pleasure cruise,” “Caribbean cruise” or “luxury cruise,” which emphasise comfort and travel rather than action or struggle. This confirms that cruise is conceptually different from the trio of crusade, expedition and campaign.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Crusade: Shares the idea of a purposeful, often intense movement toward a cause.
• Expedition: Also reflects a planned journey with a definite objective.
• Campaign: Indicates an organised series of activities for a clear result, aligning with the other two.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may be misled by the similar spellings of cruise and crusade and think they form a pair, but reasoning questions require attention to meaning, not spelling. Others may consider expedition to be merely a journey like a cruise, but the key distinction is purpose. Always ask what the central idea of each word is and whether it involves serious, goal oriented action or relaxed enjoyment.

Final Answer:
The odd word out is cruise, because the other three words all convey a deliberate and organised effort toward a significant goal.