stride
B2Formal to neutral, versatile across written and spoken contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To walk with long, decisive steps, often with a sense of purpose or confidence.
Progress or develop in a confident, effective, or rapid manner; also refers to a significant step or period in progress.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies purpose, determination, or covering ground efficiently; can be literal (walking) or metaphorical (making progress).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. Usage is broadly similar.
Connotations
Similar connotations of confidence and purpose in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more common in sports commentary in the US (e.g., "hitting your stride") and in literary/formal British contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
He strode across the room.She strode purposefully towards the podium.The company is striding ahead of its competitors.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “take something in your stride”
- “hit your stride”
- “break your stride”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe rapid, confident progress: 'The new division is striding towards its targets.'
Academic
Used metaphorically for intellectual or disciplinary advancement: 'The field has made great strides in the last decade.'
Everyday
Describing a confident walk: 'She strode into the meeting, ready to present.'
Technical
In biomechanics or sports science, refers to the length and mechanics of a step during locomotion.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He strode onto the pitch to a roar from the crowd.
- She strode past the journalists without a word.
American English
- The CEO strode into the boardroom, ready for the challenge.
- He strode across the finish line, exhausted but victorious.
adverb
British English
- No common adverbial form. Use 'stridingly' is non-standard/archaic.
American English
- No common adverbial form. Use phrases like 'walking with a stride'.
adjective
British English
- No common adjectival form. Use 'striding' as a participial adjective: 'a striding figure'.
American English
- No common adjectival form. Use 'striding' as a participial adjective: 'his striding confidence'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He has a very long stride when he walks.
- The horse took a big stride.
- She didn't break her stride when the phone rang.
- In two strides, he was at the door.
- The company is making great strides in renewable energy technology.
- He took the criticism in his stride and improved his performance.
- After a rocky start, the new manager has finally hit her stride and the team is thriving.
- The legislation represents a significant stride forward for digital privacy rights.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a STRIDE as a STRong, wIDE step.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS MOVEMENT FORWARD (Life is a journey; making strides).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'шагать' for metaphorical progress; 'stride' implies confidence and long steps, not just 'идти'. For metaphorical progress, 'делать успехи/прогресс' is often a better conceptual fit.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'stride' for slow or hesitant walking.
- Confusing 'stride' (n.) with 'step' (a 'stride' is typically longer and more purposeful).
- Incorrectly using the past tense: 'strode', not 'strided'.
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase best describes metaphorical use of 'stride'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the past simple is 'strode'. The past participle is also 'stridden', though it is less common in modern usage than structures like 'had strode'.
Yes, very commonly. As a noun, it means a long, decisive step or a period of progress (e.g., 'He walked with a confident stride', 'great strides in medicine').
'Stride' specifically implies long, purposeful, and often fast steps, conveying confidence or determination. 'Walk' is the general, neutral term.
It means to deal with a problem or difficulty calmly and without letting it upset you or affect your progress.