hike
B1Informal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
A long walk, especially in the countryside, typically for pleasure or exercise.
A sharp increase in amount, price, or rate; to raise or pull up clothing.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Core meaning as a noun or verb relates to walking in nature. Secondary meaning (sharp increase) is heavily used in economics and business contexts. The 'pull up' meaning is less common and often seen in 'hike up'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use 'hike' for walking in nature. In UK, 'walk' is more frequent for general walking; 'hike' implies a more strenuous, planned outdoor activity.
Connotations
UK: Strongly associated with rambling clubs, national parks, and the countryside. US: Associated with national parks, trails, and wilderness adventure. The 'price hike' sense is equally common in both.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties. The noun 'hike' for a walk might be slightly more common in US English for casual use.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
VERB: to hike (somewhere)VERB: to hike up (prices/trousers)NOUN: a hike in (something)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Take a hike! (Go away!)”
- “hike up your socks (prepare for hard work)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'The company announced a sharp hike in subscription fees.' Refers to sudden increases.
Academic
'The paper analysed the hike in commodity prices following the crisis.' Used in economics.
Everyday
'We're planning a hike in the Lake District this weekend.' Refers to recreational walking.
Technical
'The boot is designed for multi-day hikes over uneven terrain.' Used in outdoor gear context.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We plan to hike across the Yorkshire Dales.
- The council hiked up the parking charges again.
American English
- Let's hike the Appalachian Trail this summer.
- The company hiked prices by 10%.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We went for a hike in the forest.
- The bus fare hike is annoying.
- After a three-hour hike, we reached the mountain summit.
- The government's hike in VAT affected everyone.
- They embarked on a gruelling week-long hike through the national park.
- Investors feared a sudden hike in interest rates.
- The documentary followed her solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail.
- The proposed hike in import tariffs could trigger a trade war.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HIKE: Has Incredible Kinetic Energy - think of the energy needed for a long walk.
Conceptual Metaphor
UPWARD MOVEMENT IS INCREASE (a price hike); LIFE IS A JOURNEY (going on a hike through life).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'hike' as 'поход' for a short walk; 'поход' is often too grand. For a day hike, 'прогулка по природе' or 'пеший поход' is better.
- The idiom 'Take a hike!' means 'Отвали!' or 'Пошёл вон!', not an invitation to walk.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'hike' for a short city walk (incorrect).
- Saying 'We made a hike' instead of 'We went on a hike'.
- Confusing 'hike' (noun/verb) with 'hitchhike'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'hike' correctly in its secondary meaning?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a hike can be in any natural terrain like forests, hills, or coastlines, but it implies a sustained, purposeful walk, not a casual stroll.
'Walk' is general. 'Hike' implies a longer, recreational walk in nature, often on trails. 'Trek' suggests an even longer, more arduous journey, possibly over multiple days.
Yes, especially with 'up': 'They hiked up the prices.' It's informal but very common in news reports.
Yes, it's a direct and informal way to tell someone to go away or leave you alone. It is not a polite suggestion for a walk.