hiking
hiking
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "hiking" is /ˈhaɪkɪŋ/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
hike: /haɪk/
/h/ - voiceless glottal fricative
/aɪ/ - diphthong (as in "eye")
/k/ - voiceless velar stop
ing: /ɪŋ/
/ɪ/ - near-close near-front unrounded vowel (as in "kit")
/ŋ/ - voiced velar nasa
Word Form Variations
Verb:
hike (base form)
hikes (third-person singular present)
hiked (past tense, past participle)
hiking (present participle, gerund)
Noun:
hike (singular)
hikes (plural)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb
To hike: To take a long walk, especially in the countryside or wilderness, for pleasure or exercise.
Synonyms: trek, ramble, stroll, tramp, backpack
Antonyms: drive, ride, sit, lounge, relax
Noun
Hike (activity): The act of taking a long walk, typically for leisure or exercise, often in natural environments.
Synonyms: trek, ramble, walk, excursion, tramp
Antonyms: commute, ride, drive, standstill, idleness
Hike (increase): A sharp or significant increase, especially in prices, wages, or taxes.
Synonyms: increase, rise, surge, jump, escalation
Antonyms: decrease, reduction, cut, drop, fall
Examples of Use
Books: "The author vividly describes their transformative journey through the Himalayas, highlighting the challenges and rewards of hiking at high altitudes."
Newspapers: "Local conservation groups are organizing a community hiking event next month to raise awareness about trail maintenance." ( The Daily Herald, June 2025)
Online Publications: "Gear Patrol's latest review features the best waterproof boots for winter hiking, tested in real-world conditions." (Gear Patrol, March 2025)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: A character in the movie Wild embarks on a solo hiking expedition along the Pacific Crest Trail.
Television Series: "In a recent episode of Yellowstone, the characters discuss their plans for a hiking trip into the backcountry." (Paramount Network, May 2025)
Video Game: "Players in Red Dead Redemption 2 can explore vast open-world landscapes, engaging in virtual hiking to discover hidden secrets."
Podcast: "The 'Outdoor Adventures' podcast frequently features interviews with experienced hiking enthusiasts who share their tips and stories."
General Public Discourse:
"We're thinking of going hiking this weekend if the weather holds up."
"The recent hiking in gas prices has really impacted our household budget."
10 Quotes Using Hiking
"Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt." This sentiment is often attributed to John Muir and widely shared in relation to hiking.
"A walk in nature walks the soul back home." This quote is frequently associated with Mary Davis, resonating with the peace found in hiking.
"The best view comes after the hardest climb." While not directly attributing "climb" to "hike," this quote is ubiquitously used to inspire hiking and reaching summits.
"Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit." Edward Abbey's words underscore the importance of natural spaces for activities like hiking.
"I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees." Henry David Thoreau's reflection speaks to the transformative power of being in nature, akin to hiking.
"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." Albert Einstein's advice encourages the immersive experience that hiking provides.
"We are all wanderers on this earth. Our hearts are full of wonder, and our souls are deep with dreams." This quote, often attributed to the essence of exploration, aligns with the spirit of hiking.
"Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world." John Muir's poetic observation perfectly captures the sense of discovery inherent in hiking.
"The mountains are calling and I must go." This iconic quote by John Muir encapsulates the irresistible pull of the wilderness for hiking enthusiasts.
"If you are seeking creative ideas, go out hiking. Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk." Raymond Inmon's quote directly links hiking with inspiration.
Etymology
The word "hiking" comes from the verb "hike." The exact origin of "hike" isn't perfectly clear, but it seems to have started as an English dialect word.
The first known use of the verb "hike" was around 1809, and it was often spelled "hyke." At that time, its meaning was "to walk vigorously" or to "go away," sometimes even in a dismissive or contemptuous way (like telling someone to "take yourself off" or "begone").
It's thought that "hike" might be related to older words like "yike" (from 1736, also meaning "to walk vigorously") or even "hitch," which meant to move with a sudden jerk or stir. The idea of raising or lifting might also be connected, like "hiking up" your pants.
However, the widespread use of "hiking" to mean taking a long walk, especially for pleasure or exercise in the countryside, didn't really catch on until the early 20th century. Before that, walking long distances was often seen as a sign of poverty or necessity, but the Romantic era and influential writers helped change perceptions, making leisurely walks in nature more popular.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Hiking
Hike up: To increase something, often suddenly or significantly (e.g., "They decided to hike up the prices").
Hike up your socks/pants: To pull them up higher; metaphorically, to prepare for hard work or a challenge.
Take a hike: An informal, often dismissive way of telling someone to leave or go away.
Hike a trail: To walk along a defined path in nature.
Go for a hike: To participate in the activity of hiking.
Boot and hike: An informal way of saying to leave quickly or forcefully.
On the hiking trail: Actively engaged in hiking, or referring to a place where hiking occurs.
A price hike: A common term referring to an increase in cost.
Hike your own hike: (Original/Lesser-known) Do things your own way, especially in the context of outdoor activities; a variation of "hike your own trail."
Foot it: (Using a synonym) To walk a long distance.
Pound the pavement: (Using a synonym) To walk extensively, often in an urban environment, or to search for something like a job.
Hit the road: (Similar effect) To begin a journey, often implying walking or traveling.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of hiking from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
