Walk Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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walk

[wɔːk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

daily routine

To move on foot at a moderate pace; advance by steps

Synonyms

amble, hike, march, stroll.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
walk

General term for moving on foot from one place to another. Neutral and widely used in everyday conversation.

  • I walk to work every day
  • Let's go for a walk in the park
stroll

A slow, leisurely walk, often with a relaxed and peaceful mood.

  • They stroll down the boulevard, hand in hand
  • After dinner, we took a stroll around the neighborhood
hike

Walking long distances, especially in the countryside or mountains, usually for pleasure or exercise.

  • We plan to hike the Appalachian Trail this summer
  • The students hike up the mountain for a better view
amble

A relaxed, carefree walk, usually when you are not in a hurry.

  • We amble along the beach, enjoying the sunset
  • They amble through the markets, taking in the sights and sounds
march

A steady and rhythmic walking, often associated with groups, protests, or military movements.

  • The soldiers march in formation
  • Protesters march through the city demanding change

Examples of usage

  • I walk to work every day
  • Let's go for a walk in the park
  • She walked along the beach
Context #2 | Noun

exercise

An act of walking for exercise or leisure

Synonyms

hike, ramble, saunter, stroll.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
walk

Used in general terms for any activity where someone moves forward by putting one foot in front of the other.

  • I walk to school every day
  • Let's walk to the park
stroll

Similar to 'saunter', but emphasizes a casual, leisurely walk, usually for pleasure or relaxation.

  • We took a stroll through the park after dinner
  • She loves to stroll along the promenade
hike

Used for long walks usually taken in nature, such as mountains or forests, often requiring more effort.

  • We plan to hike up the mountain this weekend
  • They love to hike in the national park
ramble

Indicates a leisurely walk without a fixed route, often longer and more relaxed. It can also mean talking or writing in a long-winded, aimless way.

  • They enjoyed a ramble across the countryside
  • She rambled on about her vacation for hours
saunter

Describes walking in a slow, relaxed manner, often indicating confidence or nonchalance.

  • He sauntered into the room as if he owned the place
  • They sauntered along the beach, enjoying the sunset

Examples of usage

  • I try to get in a daily walk
  • Walking is a great way to stay active and healthy

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Walking is not only a means of transport; many cultures celebrate walking as a form of leisure and community bonding.
  • In several ancient civilizations, walking was part of spiritual journeys, like pilgramages to sacred sites.
  • The phrase 'Walk of Life' in various cultures emphasizes the journey and the experiences gained along the way.

Health Benefits

  • Regular walking can improve cardiovascular health, helping the heart and lungs to function more efficiently.
  • Walking is known as one of the simplest forms of exercise that can maintain a healthy weight and boost mood.
  • Studies show walking can improve creativity and cognitive function, making it a great activity for brainstorming.

Literature and Art

  • Walking is often depicted in poetry and literature as a metaphor for the journey of life.
  • Artists like Monet captured the beauty of nature through scenes of leisurely strolls in their paintings.
  • Many famous authors took long walks to stimulate their creativity, including Charles Dickens and Virginia Woolf.

Science

  • Biologically, walking is a unique human trait, characterized by a bipedal movement that sets us apart from many other animals.
  • Research shows that the average person has a walking speed of about 3 to 4 miles per hour, varying by age and fitness.
  • Walking engages various muscles in the body, promoting balance and coordination through upright movement.

Origin of 'walk'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'walk' comes from the Old English word 'wealcan', which means to roll or move.
  • In Middle Age English, it was often used to describe the action of moving at a slow pace.
  • The use of 'walk' has evolved over centuries, but it has remained associated primarily with human locomotion.

The word 'walk' originated from the Old English word 'wealcan', which meant 'to roll'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the action of moving on foot. Walking has been a fundamental mode of transportation and exercise for humans throughout history, with numerous health benefits associated with it.


See also: walker, walkers, walking, walkout, walkway, walkways.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,786, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.