jogger
B1Neutral to informal
Definition
Meaning
A person who runs at a steady, gentle pace as a form of exercise.
A type of loose-fitting, casual trouser made of soft, stretchy fabric, typically with an elasticated waist and cuffs, originally designed for running but now worn as leisurewear.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary meaning refers to a person. The secondary meaning (garment) is a countable noun. The word is derived from the verb 'jog'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both meanings are used in both varieties. The garment sense is slightly more common in British English, where 'jogging bottoms' is also a common term.
Connotations
Neutral for the person; casual/comfortable for the garment.
Frequency
High frequency for the person sense; medium frequency for the garment sense.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[jogger] + [verb: runs, wears, trains][adjective] + [jogger][wear/put on] + [a pair of joggers]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A jogger's high”
- “Hit the pavement (like a jogger)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in retail for the garment (e.g., 'sales of joggers have increased').
Academic
Very rare.
Everyday
Very common for both the person and the garment.
Technical
Used in sports science or textile descriptions.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The jogger runs in the park every morning.
- He wears black joggers at home.
- A keen jogger passed me on the path.
- She bought a new pair of comfortable joggers for the weekend.
- The dedicated jogger meticulously tracks her pace and distance.
- These designer joggers are surprisingly expensive for casual wear.
- The urban jogger navigated the city streets before dawn, a solitary figure against the waking metropolis.
- The trend of wearing smart-casual joggers in informal office settings continues to grow.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
JOGGER: Just Ordinary Gentle Running Exercise Regularly.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOVEMENT IS PROGRESS (the jogger is making progress for their health).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'jogger' (person) as 'бегун' (sprinter/racer). Use 'человек, который бегает трусцой'.
- The garment 'joggers' is not 'спортивные штаны' (general track pants) but specifically loose, soft trousers with cuffs.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'jogger' as a verb (incorrect: 'I jogger every day').
- Confusing 'joggers' (trousers) with 'trainers' (shoes).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'jogger'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it has two main meanings: a person who jogs, and a type of casual trouser.
They are very similar. 'Joggers' often refer to a more modern, tapered style with cuffs, while 'sweatpants' can be baggier and are always made of sweatshirt material.
No, 'jogger' is only a noun. The verb is 'to jog'.
No. For the trousers, it's always plural: 'a pair of joggers'. For the person, it's singular: 'a jogger'.
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