levade: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / C2+Technical / Formal / Specialised
Quick answer
What does “levade” mean?
A classical dressage movement in which the horse raises its forelegs and balances on its hind legs at an angle of about 35 degrees.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A classical dressage movement in which the horse raises its forelegs and balances on its hind legs at an angle of about 35 degrees.
A specific, trained movement from the 'airs above the ground' in haute école equestrianism. More broadly, can refer to a rise or lifting action in certain artistic or formal contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning, as the term is a direct borrowing used within the same specialised international community. Spelling and pronunciation are identical.
Connotations
Connotes high-level equestrian skill, classical training, and tradition in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both UK and US English. Almost never encountered outside of equestrian contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “levade” in a Sentence
The horse performed a levade.The trainer schooled the stallion in the levade.A perfect levade requires immense strength and balance.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “levade” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The trainer taught the horse to perform the levade.
- It can take years for a horse to learn to levade correctly.
American English
- The rider worked on achieving a clean levade.
- Few horses have the physique to execute a proper levade.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- The levade position is one of great collection.
- The levade training is a long process.
American English
- He demonstrated levade technique for the judges.
- The levade movement was held for several seconds.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in papers on equestrian history, animal training, or performance studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Primary context. Used in dressage manuals, judging criteria, and training discussions among advanced riders and trainers.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “levade”
- Using 'levade' to describe any horse rearing up.
- Pronouncing it /ˈliː.veɪd/ or /lɛˈveɪd/.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'The horse levaded.'). It is almost exclusively a noun.
- Confusing it with the similar 'pesade'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A rear is an uncontrolled, often defensive or panicked action. A levade is a highly controlled, trained position of balance held at a specific angle, requiring immense strength and discipline from the horse.
No. It requires a specific conformation, strength, and temperament, and years of specialized training typically starting when the horse is young. It is primarily associated with certain breeds like Lipizzaners in the Classical tradition.
It is pronounced /ləˈvɑːd/ (luh-VAHD), with the stress on the second syllable and a long 'ah' sound, similar to 'spa'.
It comes from the French word 'lever', meaning 'to raise' or 'to lift', reflecting the action of the horse lifting its forehand.
A classical dressage movement in which the horse raises its forelegs and balances on its hind legs at an angle of about 35 degrees.
Levade is usually technical / formal / specialised in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated with this specific technical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'elevate' - a LEVADE is when a horse ELEVATES its front half.
Conceptual Metaphor
BALANCE IS MASTERY; ELEVATION IS DISCIPLINE (The controlled, static rise represents the pinnacle of trained discipline and balance, as opposed to an uncontrolled rear which represents chaos).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'levade' primarily associated with?