Leap vs. Stride: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on December 2, 2023
A leap is a jump from one point to another, often covering a significant distance or height, while a stride is a long, decisive step in walking.
Key Differences
A leap is a sudden jump or spring, often involving both feet leaving the ground, while a stride is a long step taken in walking or running.
Leaping is typically used to overcome obstacles or distances, and in expressions like 'leap of faith', it implies a significant, often risky, move. Striding implies confident, steady progress, often used in contexts like 'making strides' to indicate gradual improvement.
Leaping requires more physical effort and energy, as it involves propelling the body through the air. Striding, though it may cover ground efficiently, requires less exertion than leaping.
Symbolically, a leap often represents a big change or decision, whereas a stride represents consistent, steady progress or advancement.
Leaping is less common in regular movement compared to striding, which is a fundamental part of walking or running.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Noun, Verb
Typical Contexts
Overcoming obstacles, significant changes
Walking, steady progress
Physical Exertion
High, sudden exertion
Moderate, consistent exertion
Symbolic Meaning
Big changes, decisions
Consistency, advancement
Frequency in Movement
Less frequent
Common in walking/running
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Leap and Stride Definitions
Leap
A jump from one point to another, especially over an obstacle.
The athlete made a remarkable leap over the hurdles.
Stride
Walking with long, regular steps.
She strode along the beach, enjoying the sunset.
Leap
A sudden or large transition or change.
Moving to a new country was a huge leap for her.
Stride
A significant stage in progress or development.
The research team made great strides in their project.
Leap
A forceful or energetic movement.
With a leap, the cat caught the toy.
Stride
A long, decisive step in walking.
He crossed the room in just a few confident strides.
Leap
An act of jumping into something new or unknown.
He took a leap into the unknown with his career change.
Stride
Progressing steadily in a task or journey.
They continued to stride forward in their efforts.
Leap
A rapid or unexpected increase or advancement.
The company saw a leap in profits this quarter.
Stride
A manner of walking, stepping, or running.
The runner's stride was smooth and steady.
Leap
To propel oneself quickly upward or a long way; spring or jump
The goat leaped over the wall. The salmon leapt across the barrier.
Stride
To walk with long steps, especially in a hasty or vigorous way.
Stride
To take a single long step, as in passing over an obstruction.
FAQs
Noun: "She took a giant leap into the air."
What is the past tense of 'leap'?
What does 'leap' mean?
'Leap' refers to a jump, especially one that is long or high.
Is 'leap' a verb or a noun?
It can be both. As a verb, it means to jump; as a noun, it describes the act of jumping.
The past tense can be either 'leaped' or 'leapt.'
Are there any idioms with 'leap'?
Can you give an example sentence with 'leap'?
Verb: "The cat leaped over the fence."
It's neutral, suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
What are synonyms of 'leap'?
Jump, bound, spring, hop.
Can 'leap' have a metaphorical meaning?
Yes, it can mean making a significant change or step, like in "leap in technology."
How do you use 'leap' in a sports context?
Verb: "He strode confidently into the room."
Noun: "She has a very graceful stride."
It describes a physical jump, like in basketball or long jump.
Is 'leap' ever used in a business context?
Are there any idioms with 'stride'?
Yes, like "take in stride," meaning to deal with a problem calmly.
'Stride' refers to a long, decisive step in walking.
Is 'stride' a verb or a noun?
Both. As a verb, it means to walk with long steps; as a noun, it describes the act of striding.
Can you give an example sentence with 'stride'?
What is the past tense of 'stride'?
The past tense of 'stride' is 'strode.'
Can 'stride' have a metaphorical meaning?
Yes, it can signify progress, as in "making great strides in research."
Is 'stride' used in business contexts?
Yes, metaphorically for progress, like in "the company has made strides in innovation."
Yes, like "leap of faith," meaning a belief in something uncertain.
Is 'leap' formal or informal?
Metaphorically, yes, for a significant advancement or bold move.
What does 'stride' mean?
Is 'stride' formal or informal?
'Stride' is neutral and can be used in both contexts.
What are synonyms of 'stride'?
March, walk, tread, step.
How is 'stride' used in a sports context?
It's often used to describe the manner of walking or running, especially in athletics.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
