lunge
B2Mainly informal/neutral, but standard in fitness and fencing contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A sudden forward movement of the body, typically to attack, grasp something, or move quickly.
Can also refer to a sudden, forceful effort or attempt in a non-physical sense (e.g., a verbal lunge). In fitness, it is an exercise involving a large step forward with the knee bent.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Strongly implies suddenness, force, and often aggression or urgency. When used for the exercise, it is neutral and technical.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling is identical. The noun 'lunge line' (a long training lead for horses) is more common in UK equestrian terminology, but the word itself is used identically.
Connotations
Slight connotation of clumsiness or lack of control in UK English when describing a sudden physical movement.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[SUBJ] lunge at/for/towards [OBJ][SUBJ] make a lunge for [OBJ][SUBJ] do a lunge (exercise)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “make a lunge for something”
- “a lunge in the dark (rare, implying a desperate, blind attempt)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; used metaphorically: 'The company made a lunge into the Asian market.'
Academic
Rare outside of historical/martial arts descriptions.
Everyday
Common for describing sudden physical movements (e.g., a dog lunging on a leash, someone lunging for a phone).
Technical
Standard term in fitness (exercise), fencing (attack), and animal training.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- With a sudden lunge, he grabbed the rope.
- She did three sets of walking lunges at the gym.
American English
- The boxer's lunge left him off balance.
- Add some dumbbell lunges to your leg routine.
verb
British English
- The goalkeeper lunged desperately to his left and saved the penalty.
- Mind the dog, he might lunge if you run.
American English
- She lunged for the last piece of pizza.
- The fencer lunged expertly, scoring a point.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The cat made a lunge at the toy.
- He lunged forward and caught the falling glass.
- I do lunges to strengthen my legs.
- The politician's verbal lunge at his opponent shocked the audience.
- The attacker lunged for her bag, but she pulled it away just in time.
- The novel's protagonist is constantly lunging at solutions without thinking, which leads to his downfall.
- His argument was a poorly conceived lunge into a complex philosophical debate he didn't understand.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'LUNGe' – your LUNGs need air, so you might LUNGE forward suddenly to grab it.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTACK/ACTION IS A FORWARD THRUST; DESIRE IS A REACHING MOTION (e.g., lunging for an opportunity).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводить как "легкое" или "легкие" (lungs).
- Не всегда означает "нырок" (dive), который подразумевает погружение. "Lunge" – это резкий бросок *вперед*.
- Для упражнения используется заимствование "выпад" или "ландж".
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect spelling: 'lounge'.
- Incorrect preposition: 'lunge on' instead of 'lunge at/for'.
- Using it for a slow or controlled movement.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'lunge' used in a positive, controlled manner?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral. It is standard in technical contexts (fitness, fencing) but can sound informal when describing clumsy or aggressive everyday movements.
'Pounce' often implies jumping down from a height (like a cat from a wall) and seizing. 'Lunge' is a forceful forward movement from a standing or similar position, not necessarily from above.
Yes, metaphorically: e.g., 'a lunge for power', 'a conversational lunge'. It retains the sense of a sudden, forceful attempt.
Yes, it's a standard term in both varieties. Spelling and usage are identical.