Stroll means to walk slowly and relaxedly, typically for pleasure.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Walk slowly and relaxedly.
- Enjoyable, unhurried movement.
- Often done in pleasant places.
Overview
The word 'stroll' describes a type of walking that is characterized by its relaxed and unhurried nature. Unlike a brisk walk or a purposeful stride, a stroll is typically taken for enjoyment, to clear one's head, or simply to experience the surroundings at a gentle pace. It evokes a sense of calm and leisure, suggesting that the walker has ample time and no pressing concerns.
As a verb, 'stroll' is often used with prepositions like 'through', 'along', 'in', or 'around' to indicate the location of the walk. For example, one might 'stroll through the park', 'stroll along the beach', or 'stroll around the city'. It can also be used intransitively, simply stating that someone is strolling. The present participle form, 'strolling', is frequently used to describe an ongoing activity.
Strolling is commonly associated with pleasant environments and activities. People often stroll in parks, gardens, along waterfronts, through quiet neighborhoods, or at outdoor markets and festivals. It's a typical activity for a leisurely weekend, a vacation, or a moment of personal reflection. The word carries a positive connotation, suggesting a peaceful and enjoyable experience.
While 'walk' is a general term for moving on foot, 'stroll' specifically denotes a leisurely walk. 'Amble' is very similar to 'stroll', also implying a slow and relaxed pace, sometimes with a slightly more aimless quality. 'Saunter' suggests walking in a confident, relaxed, and unhurried way, perhaps with a touch of swagger. 'Meander' implies a winding, indirect path, often without a clear direction, similar to a stroll but emphasizing the indirect route.
Examples
We like to stroll through the park on Sunday mornings.
everydayNos gusta pasear por el parque los domingos por la mañana.
The couple took a romantic stroll along the moonlit beach.
descriptiveLa pareja dio un paseo romántico por la playa iluminada por la luna.
After the big meal, we just decided to stroll around the neighborhood.
informalDespués de la gran comida, simplemente decidimos dar una vuelta por el barrio.
He often strolls through the botanical gardens to find inspiration.
leisureA menudo pasea por los jardines botánicos para encontrar inspiración.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
take a stroll
dar un paseo
enjoy a stroll
disfrutar de un paseo
go for a stroll
ir a dar un paseo
Often Confused With
'Walk' is a general term for moving on foot. 'Stroll' specifically refers to a slow, relaxed, and leisurely walk, often for pleasure, whereas 'walk' can be fast or purposeful.
'Run' means to move at a speed faster than a walk, never implying leisure. 'Stroll' is the opposite, indicating a slow and relaxed pace.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word 'stroll' is best used to describe a relaxed and unhurried pace. It implies enjoyment or a lack of urgency. While it can be used in slightly more formal contexts, it primarily conveys a sense of leisure and ease.
Common Mistakes
Avoid using 'stroll' to describe quick or purposeful movement. For instance, saying 'He was strolling to catch his train' would be incorrect because catching a train implies urgency, which contradicts the meaning of 'stroll'. Use 'hurry' or 'rush' instead in such cases.
Tips
Imagine a relaxed pace
Think of a leisurely walk in a park or along a beach when you use the word 'stroll'.
Avoid for urgent movement
Do not use 'stroll' when describing someone who is rushing or walking with purpose and speed.
Leisurely walks are universal
The concept of taking a relaxed walk for pleasure is common across many cultures, often associated with enjoying nature or social interaction.
Word Origin
The word 'stroll' likely originated in the 16th century. Its exact origin is uncertain, but it may be related to the Middle Dutch word 'strōlen', meaning 'to wander about'. It evolved to describe a leisurely walk.
Cultural Context
In many cultures, taking a leisurely walk, or 'stroll', is seen as a healthy and enjoyable way to spend free time. It can be a solitary activity for reflection or a social one, fostering connection and conversation.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone 'strolling' through a field of tall grass, where they have to move slowly and gently. The 'str' sound might remind you of 'stride', but the 'oll' sound suggests a more relaxed, rolling motion.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsWhile 'walk' is a general term for moving on foot, 'stroll' specifically describes a slow, relaxed, and leisurely walk, often for enjoyment.
People often stroll in pleasant outdoor locations such as parks, beaches, gardens, or quiet city streets where they can relax and enjoy their surroundings.
'Stroll' is generally considered informal to neutral. It's commonly used in everyday conversation and writing but might be less frequent in highly formal or technical contexts.
No, 'stroll' specifically implies a slow and unhurried pace. It is the opposite of walking quickly or purposefully.
Test Yourself
We decided to ___ through the park after dinner.
'Strolled' is the past tense of 'stroll' and fits the context of a leisurely walk after dinner.
Which word means to walk in a leisurely way?
'Stroll' specifically means to walk in a leisurely way, while 'dash', 'sprint', and 'march' imply faster or more purposeful movement.
Build a sentence using: 'We', 'the', 'along', 'river', 'strolled', 'quietly'.
This arrangement forms a grammatically correct sentence describing a leisurely walk along the river.
Score: /3
Summary
Stroll means to walk slowly and relaxedly, typically for pleasure.
- Walk slowly and relaxedly.
- Enjoyable, unhurried movement.
- Often done in pleasant places.
Imagine a relaxed pace
Think of a leisurely walk in a park or along a beach when you use the word 'stroll'.
Avoid for urgent movement
Do not use 'stroll' when describing someone who is rushing or walking with purpose and speed.
Leisurely walks are universal
The concept of taking a relaxed walk for pleasure is common across many cultures, often associated with enjoying nature or social interaction.
Examples
4 of 4We like to stroll through the park on Sunday mornings.
Nos gusta pasear por el parque los domingos por la mañana.
The couple took a romantic stroll along the moonlit beach.
La pareja dio un paseo romántico por la playa iluminada por la luna.
After the big meal, we just decided to stroll around the neighborhood.
Después de la gran comida, simplemente decidimos dar una vuelta por el barrio.
He often strolls through the botanical gardens to find inspiration.
A menudo pasea por los jardines botánicos para encontrar inspiración.
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