Prance: meaning, definitions and examples

🐎
Add to dictionary

prance

 

[ præns ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

horse behavior

To prance is to walk or move around in a proud or confident way, with high lively steps. Horses prance when they lift their front legs off the ground and then come down again in a lively way.

Synonyms

sashay, strut, swagger.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
prance

This word is often used when referring to someone moving with exaggerated, playful, or energetic steps. It can apply to both people and animals, such as horses.

  • The children prance around the playground with joy
  • The horse pranced proudly during the parade
strut

This is used to describe someone walking in a very confident, proud manner, often to show off. The term can carry a slightly negative connotation, implying arrogance.

  • He strutted across the stage after winning the award
  • The peacock struts around the garden, showing off its feathers
swagger

This word suggests a confident and sometimes arrogant walk or movement. It's often used when describing someone who wants to show off or impress others.

  • He swaggered into the room, acting like he owned the place
  • The singer has a noticeable swagger on stage
sashay

This word is used when talking about someone walking in a confident, often elegant manner, sometimes with a slight sway in the hips. It is often associated with fashion or flamboyant movements.

  • She sashayed down the runway with complete confidence
  • He sashayed into the room and caught everyone's attention

Examples of usage

  • The horse began to prance around the field, showing off its beautiful mane.
  • The stallion started to prance in excitement before the race.

Translations

Translations of the word "prance" in other languages:

🇵🇹 galopar

🇮🇳 उछलना

🇩🇪 traben

🇮🇩 melompat-lompat

🇺🇦 гарцювати

🇵🇱 paradować

🇯🇵 はね回る

🇫🇷 caracoler

🇪🇸 galopar

🇹🇷 sıçrayarak yürümek

🇰🇷 깡충깡충 뛰다

🇸🇦 يركض بخفة

🇨🇿 poskakovat

🇸🇰 poskakovať

🇨🇳 蹦跳

🇸🇮 poskakovati

🇮🇸 stökkva um

🇰🇿 секіру

🇬🇪 ხტუნვა

🇦🇿 atılıb-düşmək

🇲🇽 galopar

Etymology

The word 'prance' originated from Middle English, probably from Middle Dutch 'pranzen', meaning 'to dance'. The sense 'move with high lively steps' dates back to the late 16th century. It has been used to describe the spirited and lively movement of horses and people ever since.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,597 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.