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Clamber Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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clamber

[ˈklæmbər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

mountain climbing

To climb, move, or get in or out of something in an awkward and laborious way, typically using both hands and feet.

Synonyms

ascend, climb, scale, scramble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
clamber

Used when describing a difficult or awkward climb, typically involving both hands and feet. Often suggests a sense of urgency or struggle.

  • The children clambered over the rocks to reach the top of the hill.
  • She clambered up the steep bank to get a better view.
climb

A general term for moving upward, whether it's scaling a mountain, a ladder, or any other object. Can be used in both formal and informal settings.

  • They decided to climb the old oak tree in the backyard.
  • The group is planning to climb Mount Everest next year.
scramble

Used to describe an urgent or hasty climb, often on rough or uneven terrain. Implies using hands and feet in a quick, disorganized manner. Can also have a metaphorical use indicating a rush or a disordered effort.

  • We had to scramble up the rocky path before the tide came in.
  • The team scrambled to finish the project before the deadline.
scale

Typically used in a more formal context to describe climbing up something very tall or steep, like a building or mountain. Often implies overcoming a significant challenge.

  • The firefighters had to scale the wall to reach the trapped victims.
  • He has a dream to scale the highest peaks on each continent.
ascend

Used in formal or descriptive contexts to describe moving upward, often in a smooth or deliberate manner. Can be used for both literal and metaphorical upward movements.

  • The hikers began to ascend the mountain at dawn.
  • His career continues to ascend as he takes on more significant roles.

Examples of usage

  • He clambered up the rocky cliff to reach the summit.
  • She clambered over the fallen tree to continue along the trail.
  • The children clambered onto the playground equipment.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In classic adventure stories, characters often clamber over obstacles as a physical metaphor for overcoming challenges.
  • The word is frequently used in literature to convey a sense of urgency or struggle, adding to the dramatic tension of a scene.

Psychology

  • The act of clambering can symbolize personal struggles in life, reflecting the challenges we face when navigating difficult situations.
  • Research shows that physical movement, like climbing or climbing-related actions, can improve mood and enhance problem-solving skills.

Pop Culture

  • In action movies, protagonists clamber through environments from rooftops to cliffs, visually demonstrating their determination and resourcefulness.
  • The word often appears in music and lyrics to evoke the feeling of striving for something just out of reach.

Science

  • Animal studies show that species with strong limbs often exhibit clambering behavior when navigating complex terrains in their habitats.
  • Research indicates that developing motor skills through clambering helps young children build coordination and confidence.

Origin of 'clamber'

Main points about word origin

  • The word has origins in Middle English, derived from 'clamberen,' meaning to climb clumsily.
  • Its roots trace back further to Old Norse and possibly Dutch, reflecting the shared linguistic history of climbing terms across cultures.

The word 'clamber' originated from the Middle English word 'clambren', which in turn came from the Old English word 'climban', meaning 'to climb'. The use of 'clamber' in English dates back to the late 14th century.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,082, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.