stride

[strahyd]

verb (used without object)

strode, stridden, striding. 

1. to walk with long steps, as with vigor, haste, impatience, or arrogance.

2. to take a long step.

   to stride across a puddle.

3. to straddle.

verb (used with object)

strode, stridden, striding. 

1. to walk with long steps along, on, through, over, etc..

   to stride the deck.

2. to pass over or across in one long step.

   to stride a ditch.

3. to straddle.

noun

1. a striding manner or a striding gait.

2. a long step in walking.

3. (in animal locomotion) the act of progressive movement completed when all the feet are returned to the same relative position as at the beginning.

4. the distance covered by such a movement.

   He was walking a stride or two ahead of the others.

5. a regular or steady course, pace, etc.

6. a step forward in development or progress.

   rapid strides in mastering algebra.

   Synonyms: improvement, headway, progress, development, advancement

7. Australian Informal.,  strides, trousers.

stride

/ straɪd /

noun

1. a long step or pace

2. the space measured by such a step

3. a striding gait

4. an act of forward movement by an animal, completed when the legs have returned to their initial relative positions

5. progress or development (esp in the phrase make rapid strides )

6. a regular pace or rate of progress

   to get into one's stride

   to be put off one's stride

7. rowing the distance covered between strokes

8. Also called: stride piano. jazz a piano style characterized by single bass notes on the first and third beats and chords on the second and fourth

9. informal,  (plural) men's trousers

10. to do something without difficulty or effort

verb

1. (intr) to walk with long regular or measured paces, as in haste, etc

2. (tr) to cover or traverse by striding

   he strode thirty miles

3. to cross (over a space, obstacle, etc) with a stride

4. (intr) rowing to achieve the desired rhythm in a racing shell

Other Word Forms

• strider noun
• stridingly adverb
• outstride verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of stride¹

First recorded before 900; (verb) Middle English striden, Old English strīdan; cognate with Dutch strijden, Low German strīden “to stride”; (noun) Middle English stride, derivative of the verb; akin to straddle

Word History and Origins

Origin of stride¹

Old English strīdan; related to Old High German strītan to quarrel; see _straddle

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. hit one's stride,

   1. to achieve a regular or steady pace or course.

   2. to reach the point or level at which one functions most competently and consistently.

      The quarterback didn't hit his stride until the second half of the game.

2. take in stride, to deal with calmly; cope with successfully.

   She was able to take her sudden rise to fame in stride.

see hit one's stride; make great strides; take in stride.

Example Sentences

"I'm very proud of her and how she's coped. She's taken it all in her stride," Holly said.

From BBC

Despite their impressive strides in growing global audiences and reach, homegrown U.S. sports aren’t the world’s biggest draw.

From Los Angeles Times

As he stood talking to a friend by his car, Morgan could be seen striding over before raising a handgun.

From BBC

Zipping passes past helpless defenders, Iamealeava regularly hit his targets in stride.

From Los Angeles Times

Fisher believes the sporting world has made modest strides in embracing women of all shapes and sizes and those with differences, with rugby seen as one of the most inclusive sports.

From BBC

Related Words

• stalk 
• traipse 
• tramp