Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Lope Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🐎
Add to dictionary

lope

[ləʊp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

wildlife

A lope is a relaxed and easy gait, typically of a horse or other four-legged animal, where the legs move in unison in a smooth and flowing motion.

Synonyms

canter, gallop, trot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
lope

Used when describing a smooth, relaxed way of running or moving, often referring to animals like horses or people jogging effortlessly.

  • The horse loped across the meadow, enjoying the morning sun
  • The athlete's long legs allowed him to lope through the trail easily
gallop

Used to describe the fastest gait of a horse or other four-legged animals. It conveys a sense of speed and urgency.

  • The wild horses galloped across the open plains
  • He watched the rider gallop away into the distance
trot

Used when describing a moderately fast, two-beat gait of a horse where diagonal pairs of legs move together. It can also describe fast walking or jogging by humans in a rhythmic manner.

  • The pony trotted up to the fence to greet us
  • She trotted down the street, trying to catch the bus
canter

Used when describing a controlled, medium-speed gait of a horse, faster than a trot but slower than a gallop. Often used in equestrian activities.

  • During the competition, the horse cantered gracefully around the ring
  • She loves to canter her horse when the weather is nice

Examples of usage

  • The horse moved with a steady lope across the open field.
  • The deer disappeared into the forest with a graceful lope.
Context #2 | Verb

movement

To lope means to move with a steady, easy gait, like a horse or other four-legged animal. It is a relaxed and unhurried way of moving.

Synonyms

amble, saunter, stride.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
lope

Suitable for describing a long, bounding stride that is often smooth and effortless. Commonly used to describe the way animals, especially horses or wolves, move.

  • The deer loped gracefully through the meadow.
  • He watched the wolves lope across the snowy plain.
amble

Best used for a slow, relaxed, and leisurely walk. Often suggests a peaceful or unhurried setting, like a stroll in a park.

  • They ambled along the riverbank, enjoying the sunset.
  • He decided to amble home after a long day of work.
saunter

Implying a leisurely, confident, or sometimes slightly aimless walk. Sauntering often has a laid-back, casual, and sometimes carefree connotation.

  • She sauntered into the room as if she owned the place.
  • He sauntered down the street, whistling a carefree tune.
stride

Describes walking with long, decisive steps, often with a purposeful or confident demeanor. It can indicate speed and determination.

  • He strode into the meeting, ready to present his ideas.
  • She strode across the field with determination.

Examples of usage

  • The wolf began to lope effortlessly through the snow-covered landscape.
  • She watched the gazelle lope gracefully across the savanna.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, characters who 'lope' often convey a sense of freedom and ease, reflecting joyful or carefree moments.
  • The term frequently appears in descriptions of horses in novels, emphasizing their natural way of running.
  • Poets may use 'lope' to illustrate a smooth, flowing movement, creating a rhythmic imagery.

Animal Behavior

  • When observing animals like wolves or horses, the way they lope can showcase their agility and stamina.
  • Loping is a comfortable pace for many animals, providing endurance over long distances while conserving energy.
  • The pyrenean mountain dog is known for its loping gait, which helps it navigate rough terrains efficiently.

Pop Culture

  • In popular films, characters are often depicted loping through expansive landscapes as a metaphor for adventure and freedom.
  • Lope has also made its way into sports terminology, particularly in equestrian events where a horse's smooth gait is highlighted.
  • Songs about freedom and adventure often use the term to evoke imagery of running through open spaces.

Psychology

  • Running with a lope can be seen as a physical expression of stress relief, allowing individuals to feel relaxed and at peace.
  • The rhythmic nature of loping can have therapeutic effects, as repetitive motion often calms the mind.
  • Studies suggest that regular engagement in loping (or jogging) improves mental health by reducing anxiety and depression.

Origin of 'lope'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'lope' comes from the Middle English word 'lope,' which means to leap or to run.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Old Norse word 'hlaup,' which means to leap or spring.
  • The original sense involved a kind of running that is graceful or light-footed.

The word 'lope' originated in the 17th century, possibly from the Dutch word 'lopen' meaning 'to run'. It has been used to describe the smooth and relaxed gait of animals, particularly horses, for centuries.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,547 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.