Stride

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /stɹaɪd/

Definitions

1. A measured and purposeful movement while walking that exhibits confidence and a distinctive gait
2. A deliberate pace marked by extended steps that convey self-assurance and intention in movement
3. The distance covered in a single step while walking or running; a confident or steady manner of progressing forward; to walk with long, decisive steps

Etymology: The most surprising thing about "stride" is that its root meaning was combat. The Old English verb "strīdan" meant "to fight" or "to quarrel," and it is the same root that survives in modern German "streiten" (to quarrel) and Dutch "strijden" (to fight). The sense of vigorous, purposeful movement came later, as the idea of striding forward into conflict gradually softened into simply taking large steps. The noun followed the verb. Middle English "stride" and "stryde" came from the Old English noun "stride," meaning a stride or pace, which was built directly from the verb. So a single word did double duty: one form for the act of striding across the ground, and another for the length of a single step. Both senses have stayed in use ever since.

Synonyms: step, pace, gait, walk, march

Antonyms: shuffle, stumble, limp, crawl