gait
gait — noun
- gaitsingular
- gaitsplural
1. the particular way a person walks, especially when it is noticeable or recognisa
the particular way a person walks, especially when it is noticeable or recognisable — for example, a slow unsteady gait, a confident brisk gait, or a limping gait that shows an injury.
Theo's slow, limping gait made it clear his knee was still hurting.
possessive + adjective + gait
A tall woman with a confident gait walked straight past the reception desk.
a/an + adjective + gait showing a quality
After physiotherapy, Elena walked with a steady, confident gait for the first time.
A brisk gait is one of the first signs of good health in older adults.
Omar could recognise his brother on the crowded platform by his easy, swinging gait.
文法句型
possessive + gait
a/an + adjective + gait
常見錯誤
2. one of the specific foot-movement patterns a horse uses when moving — the walk,
one of the specific foot-movement patterns a horse uses when moving — the walk, trot, canter, and gallop are each a different gait with its own rhythm and speed.
The riding instructor showed the children how to sit at each gait of the horse.
at each gait of the horse
A canter is a comfortable three-beat gait that many beginners find easy to sit.
three-beat gait — named rhythm
The horse moved smoothly from a walk to a trot, changing gait without a signal.
Kwame watched the mare's powerful galloping gait and felt a thrill of excitement.
Older riders often prefer the smooth, steady gait of a well-trained horse.
- pace
can refer to any horse gait, but also means speed; 'gait' is the more technical term in equestrian contexts
文法句型
at + determiner + gait
change gait(s)
用法筆記
The four main gaits of a horse — walk, trot, canter, and gallop — each have a distinct rhythm and number of beats, and riders must adjust their body position for each one.
常見錯誤
3. the speed or manner in which a process, project, or activity develops or moves f
the speed or manner in which a process, project, or activity develops or moves forward — for example, negotiations moving at a slow gait, or a company's growth adopting a faster gait.
The project moved forward at a slow gait because of constant budget delays.
at + adjective + gait — figurative progress
The company's ambitious growth slowed to a cautious gait after the market crashed.
Negotiations continued at a frustratingly slow gait throughout the autumn months.
The novel starts at a steady gait before accelerating into a gripping final section.
With the new manager in charge, the team's work adopted a much faster gait.
文法句型
at + adjective + gait
adopt + adjective + gait
用法筆記
This figurative use is found mainly in formal or literary contexts. The literal sense (way of walking) is far more common in everyday speech.
常見錯誤
gait — verb
- gaitpresent simple I / you / we / they
- gaits3rd person singular
- gaiting-ing form
- gaitedpast simple
1. to teach a horse or dog a particular stepping pattern so that it moves correctly
to teach a horse or dog a particular stepping pattern so that it moves correctly in competitions or shows.
The horse trainer spent six months gaiting the young stallion for dressage competitions.
gaiting + animal + for + purpose
Show dogs are carefully gaited by their handlers to display their best movement.
passive: are gaited by
Deepak learned to gait the hunting dog through fields of tall grass and rough ground.
The trainer gaited the young horse for three hours each morning to establish a steady canter.
- school
specifically for training horses in formal movements; more common than 'gait'
文法句型
gait + animal (horse/dog)
gait + animal + for + purpose
用法筆記
Very rare in everyday English. This sense is almost exclusively used by horse trainers, dog handlers, and competitors in equestrian or canine events.
2. to lead a dog in a show ring so that a judge can observe its natural movement, p
to lead a dog in a show ring so that a judge can observe its natural movement, posture, and carriage.
Amara gaited the spaniel in front of the judges with calm, steady hands.
gaited + specific dog breed + in front of judges
Each handler must gait their dog for at least two minutes during the competition.
The greyhound was gaited across the ring at a smooth, flowing pace.
Diego gaited the bulldog slowly so the judge could study its movement.
文法句型
gait + dog + in front of + judge
gait + dog + across + ring
用法筆記
Used only in the context of dog shows. The handler runs alongside the dog in a straight line so the judge can assess the animal's structure and gait.
3. to move using a particular gait or foot pattern — used especially of horses and
to move using a particular gait or foot pattern — used especially of horses and dogs, and occasionally of people in literary contexts.
The young mare gaited smoothly around the arena, earning approving nods from the judges.
horse gaiting + adverb + location — natural equestrian usage
As the horse gaited across the meadow, its movements looked effortless and graceful.
The stallion gaited with a proud, elevated trot that drew murmurs of admiration.
Standing by the rail, the trainer watched as the horse gaited through its paces.
文法句型
gait + adverb/prepositional phrase
用法筆記
Most naturally used with horses and dogs as the subject — e.g. 'the horse gaited smoothly.' Using it with a human subject is extremely rare in modern English and may sound archaic or unnatural. For humans, 'walk with a [adjective] gait' (noun sense) is the standard pattern.