capriole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal, literary, technical (equestrian)
Quick answer
What does “capriole” mean?
A high leap or spring, especially where a horse leaps off the ground and kicks out with its hind legs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A high leap or spring, especially where a horse leaps off the ground and kicks out with its hind legs.
A lively, playful leap or jump; a frisky movement. In historical contexts (dressage, ballet), a trained, precise leap.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British equestrian writing due to historical dressage tradition.
Connotations
Connotes elegance, training, and a specific technical form in equestrian use; connotes lightness, playfulness, or old-fashioned charm in literary use.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties. Marginally more recognized in the UK due to classical riding.
Grammar
How to Use “capriole” in a Sentence
The horse caprioled.The dancer caprioled across the stage.To perform a capriole.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “capriole” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The trained stallion caprioled beautifully at the rider's signal.
- She watched the lambs capriole in the spring meadow.
American English
- The Lipizzaner stallion caprioled during the equestrian show.
- The excited colt caprioled over the fallen log.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, found in historical studies of dance, horsemanship, or literature.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would be perceived as a very unusual or poetic choice.
Technical
Standard technical term in classical dressage for a specific air above the ground.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “capriole”
- Misspelling as 'capriolle' or 'capreole'.
- Using it as a general synonym for 'jump' in modern contexts sounds affected.
- Incorrect pronunciation stressing the second syllable (/kəˈpriːoʊl/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency word. You will most likely encounter it only in specific contexts like equestrian sports, historical writing, or poetry.
Yes, though rare. As a verb, it means 'to perform a capriole' (e.g., 'The horse caprioled').
A capriole specifically implies a lively, often trained or graceful, springing motion. In dressage, it refers to a very precise movement. A 'jump' is the general term.
It comes from the Italian 'capriola', meaning 'leap of a goat', which in turn derives from Latin 'capreolus' (wild goat).
Capriole is usually formal, literary, technical (equestrian) in register.
Capriole: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkaprɪəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæpriˌoʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CAPRI (a playful goat) doing a high ROLL in the air – a capriole is a goat-like leap.
Conceptual Metaphor
JOY/PLAYFULNESS IS UPWARD MOTION (He caprioled with delight).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'capriole' a standard technical term?