Trudge: meaning, definitions and examples

🚶

Add to dictionary

trudge

[trʌdʒ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

slowly and wearily

To walk slowly and with heavy steps, typically because of exhaustion or harsh conditions.

Synonyms

march, plod, slog.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
trudge	Used when describing walking with effort and heaviness, typically because one is tired or the path is difficult. After hours of hiking, they had to trudge back to their campsite. He trudged through the deep snow, exhausted by the long journey.
plod	Describes slow, heavy, or labored walking, often with a sense of monotony or persistence. He plodded along the muddy trail, his boots sinking with each step. The farmer plodded through the fields, tired but determined to finish his work.
slog	Indicates working hard over a long period, especially when the task is difficult or tiring. It often has a negative connotation, implying drudgery. She slogged through the paperwork, wishing the day would end. The team slogged through the mud during the difficult training exercise.
march	Usually associated with walking in a formal, organized manner, often as part of a group or for military purposes. The soldiers marched in perfect unison during the parade. Protesters marched down the main street, holding signs and chanting slogans.

Examples of usage

He trudged through the snow to get to the cabin.
We trudged along the muddy path, trying to reach the village before nightfall.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

unpleasant task

A difficult or laborious walk or journey.

Synonyms

hike, journey, trek.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
trudge	This word is often used to describe walking slowly and heavily, usually because of tiredness or difficult conditions. It has a somewhat negative connotation. After the long day at work, he had to trudge through the snow to get home. They trudged up the hill under the hot sun, each step feeling heavier than the last.
journey	This word refers to traveling from one place to another, which can involve various forms of travel, not just walking. It is a more general term that often implies a significant distance or the passing of time. Their journey across the country took them three months. He reflected on his journey through life and the challenges he had faced.
trek	This word indicates a long, arduous journey, often on foot, and typically through challenging terrain. It emphasizes endurance and effort. The explorers set out on a trek through the dense jungle. Their trek to the remote village took several days and was physically exhausting.
hike	Use this word when talking about long walks, typically taken for pleasure in natural surroundings like mountains or forests. It generally has a positive and recreational connotation. We decided to hike through the national park over the weekend. She enjoys hiking up the mountain trails every summer.

Examples of usage

The long trudge up the steep hill was exhausting.
After a day of trudging through the desert, they finally reached an oasis.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'trudge' comes from the Middle English 'troggen', meaning to walk laboriously.
It shares roots with 'trod', which also refers to a heavy or deliberate way of walking.
The use of 'trudge' dates back to the 15th century, often describing travelers in difficult conditions.

Literature

In literature, trudging often symbolizes struggle, seen in many characters facing overwhelming obstacles.
Classic novels frequently depict heroes and heroines trudging along their journeys, reflecting themes of perseverance.

Psychology

Trudging can represent emotional burdens, where moving forward feels heavy due to stress or sadness.
The act of trudging can be a metaphor for coping with life’s challenges, emphasizing persistence despite fatigue.

Pop Culture

In movies, scenes depicting characters trudging through snow evoke feelings of isolation and struggle against nature.
Songs about overcoming hardships often use the imagery of trudging as a way to convey resilience in challenging times.

Science

From a biomechanical perspective, trudging engages different muscles compared to brisk walking, requiring more energy and effort.
Research shows that fatigue influences gait; tired individuals tend to adopt a trudging style, which can impact balance and posture.

Translations

Translations of the word "trudge" in other languages:

🇵🇹 caminhar com dificuldade

🇮🇳 कठिनाई से चलना

🇩🇪 schleppen

🇮🇩 berjalan dengan susah payah

🇺🇦 плентатися

🇵🇱 wlec się

🇯🇵 重い足取りで歩く

🇫🇷 marcher péniblement

🇪🇸 caminar con dificultad

🇹🇷 ağır adımlarla yürümek

🇰🇷 힘겹게 걷다

🇸🇦 المشي بصعوبة

🇨🇿 vléci se

🇸🇰 vláčiť sa

🇨🇳 跋涉

🇸🇮 vleči se

🇮🇸 þramma

🇰🇿 әрең жүру

🇬🇪 გრიგინით სიარული

🇦🇿 çətinliklə yerimək

🇲🇽 caminar con dificultad

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,564, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
29561 monopolizing
29562 bowsprit
29563 raider
29564 trudge
29565 masted
29566 groggy
29567 hyphenated
...