gallop
B2Neutral to formal; also used in specific contexts like horse-riding (technical).
Definition
Meaning
The fastest gait of a horse or other quadruped, where all four feet are off the ground simultaneously in each stride.
To move, progress, or talk very rapidly; to proceed at a fast, often uncontrolled or hurried pace.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb, it can be used both transitively ('He galloped the horse') and intransitively ('The horse galloped'). The figurative sense often implies a lack of control or a frantic pace.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The noun 'gallop' is the standard term for the gait in both equestrian and general contexts.
Connotations
Similar connotations of speed and urgency in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparable frequency; slightly more common in British English due to stronger equestrian traditions in media and culture.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
NP gallopNP gallop PP (e.g., across the field)NP gallop NP (e.g., the horse) (transitive)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “at a gallop (very quickly)”
- “gallop through (to do something very rapidly, often superficially)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Figurative: 'Sales galloped ahead in the final quarter.'
Academic
Rare; used in historical or biological contexts describing movement.
Everyday
Describing a horse's run or, figuratively, fast movement or speech: 'The children galloped down the hill.'
Technical
Specific equestrian term for a three-beat gait with a moment of suspension.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The horse broke into a gallop as soon as it left the starting gate.
- He finished the report at a gallop to meet the deadline.
American English
- We took the horses out for a gallop in the morning.
- The project moved forward at a gallop once funding was approved.
verb
British English
- The rider urged his mount to gallop towards the finish line.
- We'll have to gallop through the agenda to finish on time.
American English
- The horse galloped across the open prairie.
- She galloped through her presentation because she was nervous.
adjective
British English
- The gallop pace was unsustainable for the older horse.
- She has a gallop approach to reading, often skipping details.
American English
- He maintained a gallop speed for the last mile of the race.
- The gallop growth of the startup amazed investors.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The horse can gallop very fast.
- They galloped through the forest.
- We saw the horses gallop across the field at the farm.
- I had to gallop to the bus stop so I wouldn't be late.
- After the jump, the horse settled into a steady gallop along the track.
- She tends to gallop through her homework, which leads to careless mistakes.
- The economic indicators began to gallop ahead, prompting concerns about overheating.
- He delivered the complex lecture at a gallop, leaving many students bewildered.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GALLant hOrse PoUnding the ground at top speed.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEED IS RAPID ANIMAL MOVEMENT (e.g., 'Inflation is galloping ahead').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'галоп' (карточный термин - 'гонг' в покере).
- В переносном смысле ближе к 'мчаться', 'нестись', а не к общему 'бежать' (run).
- В русском 'галоп' имеет более узкое, в основном конно-спортивное применение.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'The dog galloped slowly.' (Oxymoron - gallop implies high speed).
- Incorrect use of prepositions: 'gallop in the field' (less common) vs. 'gallop across/through the field'.
- Confusing transitive/intransitive: 'He galloped' (he was on a horse) vs. 'He galloped the horse' (he made the horse gallop).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'gallop' used figuratively?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, though it's most associated with horses, it can describe the fast run of other quadrupeds like deer or dogs, especially larger breeds.
'Gallop' is specific to a four-legged gait with a moment of suspension. 'Run' is the general term for rapid movement on foot. 'Sprint' implies a short, maximum-speed burst. Figuratively, 'gallop' suggests a hurried, often less controlled pace than 'run'.
Yes, it is regular: gallop, galloped, galloped.
Yes, especially in contexts like horse riding: 'She galloped the horse along the beach.' This means she caused the horse to gallop.