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Prance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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prance

[præns ]

Definition

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?

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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

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

Interesting Facts

Animal Behavior

  • Many animals, especially horses, prance when they feel excited, expressing joy and vitality.
  • In the natural world, prancing can serve as a form of social signaling among animals, showcasing strength and health.
  • Prancing movements are often observed in young animals, indicating playfulness and exploration.

Pop Culture

  • In dance and theater, characters often prance to convey a sense of joy or lightheartedness, making performances engaging.
  • Fairy tales and cartoons frequently depict happy characters prancing to illustrate their carefree personality.
  • The 'prance' is often associated with festive settings, like parades where performers engage with the crowd in lively movements.

Psychology

  • Engaging in prancing or similar joyful movements can enhance mood and relieve stress, promoting overall well-being.
  • Movement styles, including prancing, can trigger emotional responses, reflecting inner feelings of happiness and freedom.
  • Physical expressions like prancing can be contagious, inspiring others to join in the fun and boost group morale.

Literature

  • Prancing often appears in poetry and literature as a symbol of freedom or emotional exuberance, enhancing the narrative's imagery.
  • Classic stories sometimes use prancing to highlight a character’s youthful spirit or joy, enriching the character’s development.
  • Authors may employ prancing as a literary device, representing innocence or a carefree approach to life in various narratives.

Origin of 'prance'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'prance' comes from the Middle English word 'prancen,' which means to leap or spring.
  • It is believed to be derived from the older Dutch word 'pransen,' meaning to strut or parade.
  • The term originally described a lively horse's movement, showing how words can evolve with cultural practices.

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.