Gambolling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿพ
Add to dictionary

gambolling

[หˆษกรฆmbษ™lษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

playful movement

Gambolling refers to the act of jumping or skipping about in a lively and playful manner. It is often associated with the movement of animals or children who express happiness and excitement. The term conveys a sense of carefree joyfulness.

Synonyms

bounding, frolicking, hopping, leaping.

Examples of usage

  • The children were gambolling in the park.
  • Lambs were gambolling in the meadow.
  • The puppy gambolled around its owner.
  • They spent the afternoon gambolling along the beach.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In English poetry, 'gambolling' is often used to describe youthful joy and the carefree nature of childhood, reflecting innocence.
  • Famous authors like Lewis Carroll depict characters 'gambolling' as a representation of their playful imaginations.
  • The term often appears in works that celebrate nature, illustrating animals or children enjoying freedom in open spaces.

Nature

  • Many animals, especially young ones, engage in gambolling as part of their play, which helps with socialization and physical health.
  • Lambs are particularly known for gambolling during the spring, showcasing their energy and youthful exuberance.
  • Gambolling behavior is observed in various species as a way to develop motor skills and interact with their environment.

Cultural References

  • In dance, gambolling movements are often incorporated to express joy, emphasizing the playful aspect through rhythm and steps.
  • Children's games and playground activities often involve gambolling, symbolizing freedom and the joy of physical activity.
  • Folklore from different cultures describes mythical creatures that gambolling, portraying them as magical and carefree spirits.

Psychology

  • Engaging in playful activities like gambolling can promote positive emotional well-being and reduce stress in both children and adults.
  • Playfulness is linked to creativity; when people gambol, they often think outside the box and explore new ideas.
  • Psychological studies show that adults who incorporate playful movements into their lives report increased happiness and life satisfaction.

Origin of 'gambolling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'gambolling' comes from the Old French 'gamboller', meaning to hop or leap, which shows its playful nature.
  • It shares roots with the Middle English term 'gambol,' which also means to frolic or leap around joyfully.
  • The prefix 'gam-' relates to legs in various languages, linking it to movement and jumping.

The word 'gambolling' comes from the Middle English term 'gambolen', which means 'to jump about' or 'to frolic'. This term is derived from the Old French 'gamboller', a variant of 'gamboller', which means 'to leap' or 'to skip'. Both have roots in the word 'gamb', meaning 'leg' in Middle English, which suggests a playful or light-footed movement. The playful connotation associated with 'gambolling' has been a part of its usage since the 15th century, often depicting lively and carefree actions, frequently in reference to animals or children. Over the centuries, its usage has remained relatively stable, continuing to evoke imagery of joyous jumping and frolicsome behavior.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,750, 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.