Gait Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gait

[ÉĄeÉŠt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

walking style

A person's manner of walking.

Synonyms

manner of walking, pace, stride, walk.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gait

Used to describe the way someone walks, specifically noting its distinctive characteristics or the rhythms of their steps.

  • The horse had a smooth gait
  • Her confident gait made her stand out in the crowd
walk

A very general term for the act of moving on foot, not focusing on any specific characteristic.

  • They decided to take a walk in the evening
  • His walk was slow and measured
stride

Describes long, decisive steps, often associated with confidence or purpose.

  • His stride was long and confident
  • She matched his stride as they walked together
pace

Refers to the speed or rate at which someone walks, rather than the style or characteristics of the walk.

  • She walked at a brisk pace
  • He slowed his pace as they neared the park
manner of walking

A general term referring to how someone walks, often used in descriptive contexts.

  • His manner of walking suggested he was in no hurry
  • You could tell a lot about her from her manner of walking

Examples of usage

  • He had a confident gait as he entered the room.
  • Her gait was slow and deliberate, showing her exhaustion.
Context #2 | Noun

horse movement

The pattern of steps of a horse.

Synonyms

horse movement, horse pace, horse stride.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gait

Suitable for describing the way a person or animal moves, particularly their walking pattern.

  • Her gait was elegant and fluid
  • The horse's gait changed when it trotted across the field
horse movement

Useful when discussing any general movement of a horse, including walking, running, or any specific motion.

  • The horse movement was smooth and well-coordinated during the performance
  • Observing the horse movement can help in understanding its health and training needs
horse pace

Best used when referring to the speed or rhythm at which a horse moves, particularly in riding or racing contexts.

  • The horse pace increased as they approached the finish line
  • We need to maintain a steady horse pace during the trail ride
horse stride

This term is appropriate for talking about the length or distance of a single step a horse takes.

  • Each horse stride was measured to determine its efficiency
  • The horse's stride extended beautifully during the jump

Examples of usage

  • The horse's smooth gait impressed the judges.
  • The trainer worked on improving the horse's gait for the competition.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Scientists study gait to understand human movement, which helps in healthcare and rehabilitation.
  • Gait analysis can detect certain health issues by examining how someone walks, revealing insights into joint and muscle function.

Psychology

  • A person's gait can communicate their mood – for instance, a quick, cheerful walk may indicate happiness.
  • Some studies suggest that people's perceptions of others' confidence can be influenced by their walking style.

Sports

  • Athletes often train to improve their gait, as an efficient walking or running style can enhance performance.
  • The study of gait is crucial in sports medicine for preventing injuries and improving strength.

Cultural Significance

  • In sign language, a specific gait can be mimicked to communicate feelings or character traits.
  • Different cultures may have unique walking styles or traditions, reflecting social norms and values.

Origin of 'gait'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Middle English 'gait', which refers to a manner of walking.
  • It is related to the Old Norse word 'gata', meaning path or way, reflecting how we move through spaces.

The word 'gait' originated from the Old Norse word 'gata,' meaning 'way' or 'street.' Over time, it evolved to refer to the way a person or animal walks. The concept of gait has been studied in various disciplines, including medicine, biomechanics, and zoology, to understand movement patterns and abnormalities.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,160, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.