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Skate: meaning, definitions and examples

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skate

 

[skeɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

on ice

A boot with a metal blade attached to it, used for skating on ice. The blade glides smoothly over the ice, allowing the skater to perform various moves and tricks. Ice skates come in different sizes and styles, depending on the type of skating.

Synonyms

figure skates, hockey skates, ice skates.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
skate

Context might be needed to differentiate as it could refer to any form of skating, including roller or inline skating.

  • During summer, we often skate at the local park
ice skates

General term for any skates used specifically on ice, encompassing both figure skates and hockey skates.

  • Make sure your ice skates are sharpened before heading to the rink
figure skates

Used specifically for ice skating where the focus is on performing jumps, spins, and dances. It typically has a toe pick on the blade.

  • She bought a new pair of figure skates for her ice dancing lessons
hockey skates

Designed for ice hockey, built for speed and agility, usually featuring a more robust construction for protection.

  • He wears hockey skates during every game to ensure better control and quick movements

Examples of usage

  • She laced up her ice skates and hit the rink.
  • He practiced his figure skating routine on his sharp skates.
Context #2 | Verb

on wheels

To move on a skateboard or roller skates. Skating involves propelling oneself forward by pushing off the ground with one foot, then gliding on wheels. Skateboarding and roller skating are popular recreational activities and sports.

Synonyms

cruise, glide, roll.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
skate

Used to describe moving smoothly on skates, often associated with sports like figure skating or roller skating.

  • She loves to skate on the frozen pond during winter
  • The kids went skating at the roller rink last night
roll

Used to describe moving on wheels or by turning over, often implying a continuous, smooth motion.

  • The car began to roll down the hill
  • He watched the ball roll across the lawn
glide

Used to describe smooth and effortless movement, often through air or on a surface with minimal friction; implies elegance and ease.

  • The ice dancer seemed to glide effortlessly across the rink
  • The bird glided gracefully through the sky
cruise

Used to describe moving at a steady, comfortable speed, often with no specific destination; commonly used for driving or sailing.

  • We decided to cruise down the coast to enjoy the scenic views
  • They were just cruising around town in their new car

Examples of usage

  • He loves to skate at the skate park with his friends.
  • She learned how to skate on rollerblades last summer.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The earliest skates were made from bones and were used by people in Europe as far back as 2000 years ago.
  • Modern ice skates first began to take shape in the Netherlands in the 13th century.
  • Roller skating became popular in the 18th century and was originally performed indoors on wooden floors.

Sports and Recreation

  • Figure skating, a sport that combines dance and ice skating, became an Olympic event in 1908.
  • Inline skating, which uses wheels arranged in a single line, was developed in the 1980s and quickly gained popularity for its speed and agility.
  • Skateboarding emerged in California in the 1950s and became a cultural phenomenon, leading to the development of various tricks and styles.

Pop Culture

  • A famous film featuring skateboarding is 'Lords of Dogtown,' which highlights the origin of modern skate culture.
  • The popular 1995 video game 'Tony Hawk's Pro Skater' helped bring skateboarding into mainstream video gaming, introducing many to its tricks and culture.
  • Popular skate brands like Vans and Nike SB have become symbols of youth culture, merging fashion with skateboarding.

Science and Physics

  • Skating relies heavily on balance and outward force; skaters use their body weight to control movements and maintain stability on their skates.
  • Friction plays a crucial role in both ice and roller skating; lower friction on ice allows for gliding but is countered by the need for grip on pavement.
  • The design of a skate blade is crucial; it is curved to allow for smooth turns and stops while skating.

Creativity and Art

  • Street art culture often celebrates skateboarding, leading to unique murals and graffiti in urban environments.
  • Many photographers document the skate lifestyle, capturing the creativity in tricks and the culture surrounding skate parks.
  • Skate films, often shot in a documentary style, showcase not just the sport but the artistic expression found in skating.

Translations

Translations of the word "skate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 andar de skate

🇮🇳 स्केटबोर्ड

🇩🇪 Skaten

🇮🇩 papan luncur

🇺🇦 скейт

🇵🇱 deskorolka

🇯🇵 スケート

🇫🇷 faire du skate

🇪🇸 andar en patineta

🇹🇷 kaykay yapmak

🇰🇷 스케이트

🇸🇦 تزلج

🇨🇿 jezdit na skateboardu

🇸🇰 jazdiť na skateboarde

🇨🇳 滑板

🇸🇮 skejt

🇮🇸 skauta

🇰🇿 скейт

🇬🇪 სკეიტი

🇦🇿 skeyt

🇲🇽 andar en patineta

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,122, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.