walk
walk
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "walk" is /wɔːk/.
/wɔːk/
Word Form Variations
Verb: walk (base form), walks (third person singular present), walking (present participle), walked (past simple, past participle)
Noun: walk (singular), walks (plural)
Adjective: walking (present participle used adjectivally, e.g., "walking stick")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb
Definition 1: To move along on foot at a regular pace, by alternately setting down and lifting each foot, never having both feet off the ground at once.
Synonyms: stroll, saunter, ramble, amble, trek, march, tramp
Antonyms: run, sprint, jog, stand (still), ride (on vehicle)
Definition 2: To accompany (someone) on foot; to escort.
Synonyms: escort, accompany, lead, guide, usher
Antonyms: leave, abandon, send (away), dismiss
Definition 3: To lead or ride (an animal, especially a horse) at a walking pace.
Synonyms: lead, guide, trot (if faster), exercise
Antonyms: gallop, trot (fast), ride (fast)
Definition 4: (Baseball) To advance to first base after receiving four balls.
Synonyms: base on balls, draw a walk
Antonyms: strike out, hit, ground out
Noun
Definition 1: An act of moving along on foot for exercise or pleasure; a stroll or ramble.
Synonyms: stroll, saunter, ramble, hike, promenade, constitutional
Antonyms: run, sprint, ride, drive
Definition 2: A path or route for walking.
Synonyms: path, lane, way, promenade, walkway, pavement (British)
Antonyms: road (for vehicles), highway, street (main thoroughfare)
Definition 3: A particular manner or style of walking.
Synonyms: gait, stride, step, pace, bearing
Antonyms: stance (static), posture (static)
Definition 4: (Baseball) An instance of a batter advancing to first base after receiving four balls.
Synonyms: base on balls, free pass
Antonyms: strikeout, hit, out
Definition 5: (Informal) A short or easy distance.
Synonyms: short distance, stone's throw, hop, skip, and a jump
Antonyms: long distance, trek, journey
Adjective (Present Participle 'walking' used adjectivally)
Definition 1: Used for or engaged in moving on foot.
Synonyms: pedestrian, ambulatory, hiking (attributive)
Antonyms: driving, riding, stationary
Definition 2: (Figurative) Embodied or personified; acting as a living example.
Synonyms: living, embodied, personified, archetypal
Antonyms: theoretical, abstract, inanimate
Examples of Use
Books:
"He took a long walk through the fields, letting the quiet solitude calm his troubled mind." (Fictional example from a meditative novel or character study)
"The book provides a step-by-step guide on how to walk the Camino de Santiago, offering advice on routes and accommodations." (From a non-fiction travel guide)
"To Kill a Mockingbird." (Harper Lee, 1960) - This iconic title implies a metaphorical "walk" in someone else's shoes, often referenced for empathy.
Newspapers:
"Thousands of environmental activists participated in a climate walk through Nairobi to raise awareness." (Daily Nation)
"New research suggests that a daily ten-minute walk can significantly improve cardiovascular health." (The Standard)
"The political candidate's campaign strategy is to literally walk through every constituency, meeting voters face-to-face." (Business Daily Africa)
Online Publications:
"Our ultimate guide to urban hiking: Discover the best city walks around the world." (An article on a travel blog, e.g., Lonely Planet Online)
"How to teach your dog to walk on a leash without pulling: Expert tips and training methods." (An article on a pet care website, e.g., AKC.org)
"Join our virtual walking challenge to stay active and connect with a global community." (A promotional announcement on a fitness app or website, e.g., Strava)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "I walk the line." (Johnny Cash, song title, 1956; often featured in films like Walk the Line, 2005)
Television Series: "For your next challenge, you must walk across this narrow beam suspended over a hundred-foot drop." (Instructions on a reality competition show, e.g., Fear Factor)
Song Lyrics: "I walk a lonely road, the only one that I have ever known." (Green Day, "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," 2004)
Video Games: "Your character can either run or walk to conserve stamina; choose your pace wisely." (In-game instruction or gameplay mechanic, e.g., Red Dead Redemption 2)
Podcasts: "In this episode, we take a metaphorical walk through the history of ancient Rome, exploring its rise and fall." (A podcast on history or philosophy, e.g., Dan Carlin's Hardcore History)
General Public Discourse:
"Let's go for a walk in Uhuru Park today." (A common suggestion for recreation in Nairobi)
"Do you walk to work, or do you take a matatu?" (A common question about commuting)
"I need to walk the dog before it gets dark tonight." (A common household chore)
"He's a walking encyclopedia; he knows everything about everything!" (An idiom for someone with vast knowledge)
"That was an easy walk in the park." (An idiom for something very easy)
"Can you walk me through the steps for setting up this new device?" (A common request for detailed instructions)
"She took the dog for a short walk." (A common activity)
"The cat decided to walk all over my keyboard while I was working." (A common humorous complaint)
"You need to walk the talk if you want people to believe you." (A common idiom meaning to act consistently with one's words)
"My favorite part of the new neighborhood is the long walking paths." (A personal preference)
10 Quotes Using Walk
"I walk the line." (Johnny Cash, song title, 1956)
"You never truly understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." (Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, 1960)
"Let's walk." (Common phrase, widely used to suggest leaving or moving on)
"I walk a lonely road, the only one that I have ever known." (Green Day, "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," 2004)
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." (Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching) - This implies beginning to walk a long path.
"It is better to walk alone than with a crowd going in the wrong direction." (Herman Melville)
"Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend." (Albert Camus)
"Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart, and you'll never walk alone." (Rodgers and Hammerstein, Carousel, "You'll Never Walk Alone," 1945)
"Don't talk the talk if you can't walk the walk." (Common idiom, widely known)
"The longest journey begins with a single step." (Lao Tzu) - This implies the act of beginning to walk.
Etymology
The word "walk" has a very old and direct origin in the English language, tracing back to Germanic roots.
It comes from the Old English verb wealcan.
This Old English word meant "to roll," "to turn," "to revolve," or "to move about." It initially referred more broadly to movement, especially with a rolling or turning motion, or a wandering.
Wealcan itself traces back to Proto-Germanic (walkanan), which had a similar meaning.
The first known use of "walk" in English, with the meaning of "to move along on foot," dates back to before the 9th century (Old English period). So, this sense of movement using one's feet has been present for over a thousand years, evolving from the broader idea of "moving about" or "rolling."
The noun sense (e.g., "a short walk") developed from the verb around the early 13th century.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Walk
Walk on eggshells: To be extremely cautious in one's words or actions to avoid offending someone.
Walk the talk: To act in a way that is consistent with what one says or promises.
Walk of life: A person's occupation, social status, or way of living.
Walk all over someone: To treat someone badly or with disrespect; to easily defeat someone.
Walk in the park: Something that is very easy to do.
Walk on air: To feel extremely happy.
Walk a fine line: To balance two opposing things carefully, often to avoid problems.
Walk a mile in someone's shoes: To try to understand another person's experiences and perspective before judging them.
Walk away from: To abandon or leave a situation, often a difficult one.
Walk out on (someone/something): To abandon or desert someone; to leave a job or situation in protest.
Go for a stroll: To take a leisurely walk. (Synonymous with "go for a walk").
To move at a leisurely pace: To walk slowly and unhurriedly. (Synonymous with "to walk slowly").
To hit the pavement: To go out and walk, often for a specific purpose like looking for a job. (Synonymous with "to go for a walk").
A constitutional: (Formal/Archaic) A regular walk taken for one's health. (Synonymous with "a walk for health").
To take a turn: To go for a short walk. (Synonymous with "to take a walk").
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of walk from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
