Stretching Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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stretching
[หstrษtสษชล ]
Definitions
exercise
Stretching is a form of physical exercise in which a specific muscle or tendon (or muscle group) is deliberately flexed or stretched in order to improve the muscle's felt elasticity and achieve comfortable muscle tone.
Synonyms
flexing, limbering, warming up.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| stretching |
Used when talking about exercises to make your muscles longer and more flexible, often before or after physical activity.
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| flexing |
Usually refers to the action of tightening muscles or showing off muscle tone. Can also mean bending a part of the body, often during exercise.
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| warming up |
Refers to exercises or activities done before physical activity to prepare the body, increase heart rate and blood flow to muscles.
|
| limbering |
Typically used to describe gentle exercises to make the body more flexible in preparation for physical activity.
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Examples of usage
- Regular stretching can help increase flexibility and prevent injuries.
- Stretching before and after a workout can help improve athletic performance.
- Yoga involves a lot of stretching to improve strength and flexibility.
fabric
Stretching is a technique used in textiles to give fabric elasticity.
Synonyms
elasticizing, expanding, flexible.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| stretching |
Used when talking about physical action of extending something to its full length or capacity. Often associated with warming up exercises, physical therapy, or general limbering up of muscles.
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| elasticizing |
Refers to the process of making something more elastic or flexible. Typically used in manufacturing, textiles, or materials science.
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| expanding |
Implies increasing in size, volume, or scope. Commonly used in contexts like business growth, spatial adjustments, or increasing capacity.
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| flexible |
Describes the ability to bend easily without breaking. Can relate to physical objects, schedules, or even attitudes.
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Examples of usage
- Spandex is a popular material known for its stretching properties.
- Some clothes are designed with stretching in mind for better comfort.
make something longer or looser
To stretch means to make something longer or looser by pulling it.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| stretching |
Typically used in physical activity or exercise to describe extending muscles for flexibility. Can also mean making something longer or larger in a metaphorical sense.
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| extend |
Used to describe making something longer in time, space, or scope. It can be used in formal or casual contexts.
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| lengthen |
Primarily used to describe increasing the length of something physical or, less commonly, time. Often has a somewhat formal tone.
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| strain |
Usually has a negative connotation and is used to describe forcefully stretching or putting stress on something, which can result in damage or injury.
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Examples of usage
- She stretched the rubber band to its limit.
- The athlete stretched his muscles before the race.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Health & Fitness
- Stretching helps prevent injuries by warming up the muscles before exercise.
- It can improve flexibility, allowing our bodies to move more freely.
- Regular stretching can reduce muscle soreness after workouts.
Science
- Muscles are made up of fibers that lengthen during stretching, which helps them relax.
- Stretching can increase blood flow to the muscles, promoting better overall health.
- It is believed that stretching may even aid in muscle recovery following physical activities.
Psychology
- Engaging in stretching exercises can lower stress and anxiety levels.
- Mindful stretching, associated with practices like yoga, promotes mental clarity and relaxation.
- As you stretch, the body releases endorphins, leading to improved mood.
Cultural Practices
- In many cultures, stretching is a part of morning rituals to prepare the body for the day ahead.
- Traditional forms of martial arts often incorporate stretching as a key element of training.
- Certain forms of dance emphasize stretching as a way to enhance performance and expressiveness.
Sports
- Dynamic stretching is often used before sports activities to increase muscle temperature.
- Athletes employ various stretching techniques, like static and ballistic, depending on their sport's requirements.
- Some sports, like gymnastics and ballet, place a high value on flexibility achieved through regular stretching.
Origin of 'stretching'
The word 'stretching' originates from the Middle English word 'strecchen', which means to reach out or extend. The concept of stretching in exercise dates back to ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Romans, who used various forms of stretching in their training routines. Over time, stretching has become a common practice in fitness and sports to improve flexibility, prevent injuries, and enhance performance.
See also: stretch, stretchable, stretched, stretchedly, stretcher, stretchy.
Word Frequency Rank
At #6,786 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.
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- 6783 implements
- 6784 amending
- 6785 recruitment
- 6786 stretching
- 6787 occupying
- 6788 resultant
- 6789 withdrew
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