Run: meaning, definitions and examples

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run

[rʌn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

physical activity

Move at a speed faster than a walk, never having both or all feet on the ground at the same time.

Synonyms

dash, race, sprint.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
run	Appropriate for general use when referring to moving fast on foot. Open to various contexts from casual jogging to competitive running. I go for a run every morning. He decided to run to catch the bus.
sprint	Refers to running at maximum speed for a short distance. Commonly used in sports and fitness training. He sprinted the last 100 meters of the race. We did sprints as part of our workout routine.
dash	Used to describe a short burst of running, usually very fast. Often implies urgency or haste. He made a dash for the exit when the fire alarm went off. She had to dash to the store before it closed.
race	Involves a competitive element where individuals or groups run against each other to see who is the fastest. Can also be used figuratively. They entered a 10k race last weekend. The children love to race each other to the park.

Examples of usage

He ran as fast as he could to catch the bus.
She ran a marathon last weekend.
The dog ran after the ball.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

sport

An act or instance of running, often a race.

Synonyms

jog, race, sprint.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
run	Used for general instances of moving quickly on foot, often for exercise or as a necessity. She likes to run in the mornings. He had to run to catch the bus.
race	Used for competitive running events where speed is the main objective. He trained hard for the 10K race. There are many participants in the city's marathon race.
sprint	Used for running at maximum speed for a short distance, often in sports or races. She had to sprint to make it to the meeting on time. He finished the race with a strong sprint.
jog	Used for a slower, more relaxed form of running, usually for health or fitness purposes. Every evening, she goes out for a jog. He prefers to jog around the park.

Examples of usage

He won the 100-meter run.
She participated in the relay run.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from Old English 'rinnan,' which means 'to flow,' showing its connection to movement.
In various Germanic languages, the root word has similar meanings, emphasizing swift motion.
The transition of the word over time reflects both physical speed and the act of executing tasks.

Sports and Recreation

Running is one of the oldest forms of exercise, dating back to ancient humans who used it for hunting and gathering.
Marathon running celebrates the ancient Greek legend of Pheidippides, who ran from Marathon to Athens to deliver news of victory.
The modern Olympic Games include various running events, showcasing speed through sprints, middle distances, and long-distance races.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, running is seen as a rite of passage, such as in tribal societies where young people must prove their endurance.
Running events like charity races unite communities and promote awareness for various causes.
Famous novels like 'The Alchemist' use running as a metaphor for the journey to fulfillment and self-discovery.

Psychology

Studies show that running can boost mental health by releasing endorphins, often referred to as the 'runner's high.'
It has been linked to improved concentration and cognitive function, making it a common activity for stress relief.
Many runners find a meditative state during long runs, as repetitive motion brings calmness and clarity.

Science

Running engages multiple muscle groups and improves cardiovascular health, making it a great full-body workout.
Biomechanics of running involve a complex relationship between muscle, tendon, and skeletal systems that optimize energy efficiency.
Recent research explores the evolutionary advantages of running in humans, emphasizing its role in endurance hunting and survival.

Translations

Translations of the word "run" in other languages:

🇵🇹 correr

🇮🇳 दौड़ना

🇩🇪 laufen

rennen
betreiben

🇮🇩 lari

🇺🇦 бігти

🇵🇱 biegać

🇯🇵 走る (はしる)

🇫🇷 courir

🇪🇸 correr

🇹🇷 koşmak

🇰🇷 달리다

🇸🇦 يجري

🇨🇿 běžet

🇸🇰 bežať

🇨🇳 跑 (pǎo)

🇸🇮 teči

🇮🇸 hlaupa

🇰🇿 жүгіру

🇬🇪 გარბენა

🇦🇿 qaçmaq

🇲🇽 correr

Word Frequency Rank

At #615 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.

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613 patients
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615 run
616 month
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618 observed
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