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Gambol Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gambol

[หˆษกรฆm.bษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

playful movement

To gambol means to run or jump about in a lively or playful way. It is often used to describe the way young animals or children behave when they are feeling exuberant and joyful.

Synonyms

bound, caper, frolic, play.

Examples of usage

  • The puppies gambolled around the yard.
  • Children gambolled in the park on a sunny day.
  • The lambs gambolled across the meadow.
Context #2 | Noun

playful movement

Gambol can also refer to a lively or playful leap or skip. It describes a lighthearted and joyous act of jumping or dancing.

Synonyms

frolic, leap, skip.

Examples of usage

  • The little girl's gambol brought smiles to everyone.
  • His gambol through the flowers was a sight to behold.
  • The dance was more of a gambol than a formal performance.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's play 'Much Ado About Nothing,' the characters often engage in light-hearted banter, reflecting a spirit of gamboling.
  • The term is used in poetry to convey carefree movements, often illustrating joyful and innocent moments in nature.
  • Many classic children's stories depict animals gamboling in fields, enhancing the narrative with imagery of freedom and fun.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, the gamboling of young animals symbolizes the joy of life and the innocence of youth.
  • Festivals and celebrations often showcase games and activities that involve gamboling, uniting communities in joyous experiences.
  • Children's games across various cultures include elements of hopping and skipping, reflecting the universal nature of gamboling.

Psychology

  • Engaging in playful activities like gamboling has been shown to reduce stress and promote happiness.
  • Playful movement is essential for child development, allowing expression and improving social skills.
  • Psychologists emphasize the importance of play for adults too; it can enhance creativity and problem-solving abilities.

Nature

  • In nature, gamboling is often observed in young animals, such as lambs, as they practice coordination and social behavior.
  • This lively behavior can be a part of mating rituals, where animals display vigor to attract mates.
  • Gamboling is also seen in playful interactions among primates, contributing to social bonds within their groups.

Origin of 'gambol'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English term 'gambolen,' which refers to leaping or skipping.
  • It has roots in the Old French word 'gamboller,' meaning 'to leap,' which connects to the word 'gambe,' meaning 'leg' in French.
  • Interestingly, 'gambol' is related to the Italian word 'gambetta,' meaning 'little leg,' highlighting its connection to movement.

The word 'gambol' originates from the late Middle English term 'gambolde,' which means to leap or jump. This in turn derives from the Old French 'gambade,' meaning a leaping about or prancing. The root of 'gambade' can be traced back to 'gambe,' meaning leg in Old French, which itself comes from the Latin 'gamba,' meaning leg or hoof. Over the centuries, 'gambol' evolved to capture not just the concept of jumping but the spirited, playful manner in which one moves, especially in a carefree or joyful context. Its etymological journey highlights the intertwining of movement, play, and spontaneity that the word embodies.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,958, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.