Glide Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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glide

[ɡlaɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

smoothly

To move smoothly and effortlessly in a particular direction, typically through the air or over water.

Synonyms

float, sail, skim, slide.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
glide	Commonly used when referring to efficient, flowing movement, often through the air or on a smooth surface. The dancer glided across the stage The boat glided through the water
slide	Often used when something moves smoothly over a surface with little resistance, typically along a guide, track, or incline. The children slid down the playground slide He slid the drawer shut quietly
skim	This word is suitable for describing quick, light movement over a surface, often barely touching it. The stone skimmed across the surface of the lake The bird skimmed over the water looking for fish
float	Use this word when something is suspended in a fluid, usually water or air, without sinking. The leaf floated gently on the surface of the pond The balloon floated up into the sky
sail	Best used when describing movement on water, typically involving a boat or other vessel. Can also mean moving smoothly and confidently in general. The yacht sailed across the bay She sailed into the room with a smile

Examples of usage

The eagle glided effortlessly through the sky.
The sailboat glided over the calm waters of the lake.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

dance

A smooth, graceful movement.

Synonyms

drift, flow, slide, swoop.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
glide	This word is best used to describe smooth and graceful movements, often through the air or on a surface. The swan glided across the still lake The skater glided effortlessly on the ice
slide	Ideal for describing movement over a surface with minimal friction. Can have negative implications when referring to decline or deterioration. The children enjoyed sliding down the hill Profits began to slide as the economy worsened
swoop	Most suitable for fast, sweeping movements, often associated with birds of prey. Can have a dramatic connotation. The eagle swooped down to catch its prey The rescue team swooped in to save the day
flow	Use this to describe smooth, continuous movement, often referring to liquids or abstract concepts like time or speech. The river flowed gently through the valley Her words flowed smoothly as she presented her ideas
drift	Best utilized to convey slow movements usually influenced by wind or current. It can also suggest aimless or unplanned movement. The boat drifted along the river Thoughts drifted through her mind during the lecture

Examples of usage

The figure skater performed a beautiful glide across the ice.
She executed a perfect glide during the ballroom dance.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

Birds use a technique called thermal soaring, allowing them to glide effortlessly on rising warm air currents.
Gliding is also seen in physics as a form of motion through a fluid, illustrating the principles of aerodynamics.
Many animals, like sugar gliders and flying squirrels, have adapted structures that allow them to glide between trees.

Pop Culture

The term 'gliding' is often used in dance and skateboarding to describe smooth, flowing movements.
Movies featuring flying or gliding superheroes often use special effects to show characters moving with grace through the air.
In video games, characters often glide to enhance gameplay, such as in titles like 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild'.

Sports

In sports like figure skating, athletes use gliding techniques to create beautiful, fluid motions across the ice.
Skiing has a discipline called 'gliding,' where athletes maximize speed and efficiency on flat surfaces.
Paragliding is a recreational sport that allows individuals to soar through the air, using natural wind currents to glide on air.

Literature

The rhythmic quality of 'glide' often appears in poetry to evoke a sense of smoothness and ease.
Authors sometimes use the imagery of gliding to represent freedom and transcendence in their narratives.
Children's literature often describes fairy tale characters gliding gracefully, creating enchanting scenes.

Origin of 'glide'

Main points about word origin

The word 'glide' comes from the Old English word 'glidan', which means 'to slide' or 'to glide' through the air.
First recorded use of 'glide' in English dates back to the 14th century, relating to smooth movement.
Related words include 'glider', which describes aircraft designed to travel with minimal engine power.

The word 'glide' originated from the Old English word 'glidan', which meant 'to move smoothly, slide'. Over time, the word evolved to its current form in Middle English. The concept of gliding has been observed in various forms of nature, such as birds soaring effortlessly through the air and fish moving gracefully through water. The word 'glide' has since become a common term to describe smooth, effortless movement in both literal and figurative contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,638, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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