Stride: meaning, definitions and examples

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stride

 

[ straɪd ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

in sports

A long step or stage in walking or running.

Synonyms

gait, pace, step.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stride

Used to describe walking with long, confident steps, often to indicate a sense of purpose or confidence.

  • His long stride took him quickly across the room
  • She strode into the meeting, ready to present her ideas
step

Refers to the movement of lifting and setting down each foot in walking. Used in both literal and figurative senses.

  • She took a step back to admire her work
  • Each step brought him closer to his goal
pace

Describes the speed or rhythm at which someone walks or moves. Can also refer to how fast something progresses.

  • He walked at a brisk pace to catch the bus
  • Her pace slowed as she approached the finish line
gait

Refers to the manner or style of walking or moving on foot, often used in more formal or descriptive contexts.

  • She had an elegant gait that caught everyone's attention
  • The horse's gait was smooth and graceful

Examples of usage

  • She took long strides across the field.
  • He crossed the finish line with a powerful stride.
Context #2 | Verb

in sports

Walk with long, decisive steps in a specified direction.

Synonyms

march, stalk, strut.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stride

Use this word when talking about walking with long, decisive steps, often showing confidence and energy.

  • She strode into the room with purpose
  • He strode across the park, eager to meet his friends
march

This word is best used for walking in a formal, military manner, or showing determination or protest.

  • The soldiers marched in perfect unison
  • They marched to the city hall to demand their rights
stalk

Use this word to describe walking in a slow, deliberate, and often angry or hostile manner. It has a more negative connotation.

  • She stalked out of the room after the argument
  • He was stalking the halls, looking for someone to blame
strut

This word is used when someone walks with confidence, and sometimes arrogance, often trying to show off.

  • He strutted into the room as if he owned the place
  • The peacock strutted proudly across the garden

Examples of usage

  • She strode confidently towards the goal.
  • He strode purposefully down the hallway.

Translations

Translations of the word "stride" in other languages:

🇵🇹 passo largo

🇮🇳 लंबा कदम

🇩🇪 großer Schritt

🇮🇩 langkah panjang

🇺🇦 довгий крок

🇵🇱 duży krok

🇯🇵 大股で歩く

🇫🇷 grande enjambée

🇪🇸 zancada

🇹🇷 uzun adım

🇰🇷 큰 걸음

🇸🇦 خطوة واسعة

🇨🇿 dlouhý krok

🇸🇰 dlhý krok

🇨🇳 大步

🇸🇮 velik korak

🇮🇸 stórt skref

🇰🇿 ұзын қадам

🇬🇪 დიდი ნაბიჯი

🇦🇿 uzun addım

🇲🇽 zancada

Etymology

The word 'stride' originated from the Old English word 'strīdan', which means 'to stride'. The concept of taking long steps has been essential for human locomotion throughout history, from hunting and gathering to modern sports. The word has evolved to represent not just a physical action, but also a metaphor for progress and determination.

See also: striding.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,821, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.