CANTER Meaning and
Definition
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The verb "canter" refers to the act of riding a horse at a moderate and rhythmic pace. It describes a three-beat gait that is faster than a trot but slower than a gallop. During a canter, the horse's legs move in a specific pattern: the first and third legs hit the ground simultaneously, followed by a brief moment when all four legs are off the ground, and then the second and fourth legs hit the ground at the same time. This alternating pattern creates a smooth and flowing motion.
In addition to equestrian contexts, "canter" can also be used metaphorically to describe a steady, relaxed, and effortless movement or progress in other activities. For instance, it can be applied to describe the graceful movement of a dancer or the flowing rhythm of a musical composition.
This term is derived from the Old English word "cantra," meaning "to sing or enchant." It may have been influenced by the Latin word "cantare." Over time, the meaning of "canter" shifted from referring to a cornering movement to indicating a specific horse gait.
Overall, "canter" is a versatile term used in both literal and figurative contexts to describe a gentle, rhythmic, and fluid motion or pace, most commonly associated with horseback riding.
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• To run, as a horse in an easy gallop.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for CANTER *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for CANTER
Etymology of CANTER
The word "canter" has an interesting etymology. It originated from the Old French word "chanter", which means "to sing". In the Middle Ages, horse riders used to sing or chant during a specific type of motion called the "canter". This gait was considered more comfortable and leisurely than a gallop, hence riders would often sing or chant while doing so. Eventually, the term "canter" came to be associated with this particular horse gait and entered the English language with the same meaning.
Idioms with the word CANTER
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at/in a canter
The idiom "at/in a canter" refers to performing a task or achieving something with ease or without much effort. It often suggests that the person is completing the task effortlessly and is skilled or experienced in doing so. The term "canter" is a horse riding term that describes a smooth and comfortable gait, indicating a relaxed and controlled pace. Therefore, "at/in a canter" implies that the person is effortlessly accomplishing a task, just as a skilled rider can effortlessly guide a horse at a comfortable canter.
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at a canter
The idiom "at a canter" refers to the act of completing a task or engaging in an activity easily and effortlessly, without facing any significant challenges or difficulties. It suggests that the action or process is smooth, comfortable, and requires minimal effort, similar to the relaxed and comfortable pace of a horse cantering.
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in a canter
The idiom "in a canter" refers to performing a task or achieving a victory with great ease, minimal effort, or without facing any significant challenges or obstacles. It suggests that something is accomplished effortlessly, as if it were as simple as a leisurely horse ride known as a canter.
Similar spelling words for CANTER
- counter,
- cantero,
- Can't,
- jauntier,
- cantor,
- centers,
- center,
- gander,
- chanter,
- cantering,
- canoe,
- canteen,
- cancer,
- canters,
- banter,
- Cantres,
- scanter,
- cane,
- crater,
- counter-,
- cantrelle,
- Canoed,
- cantrell,
- decanter,
- cater,
- cuter,
- Cantara,
- canned.
Conjugate verb Canter
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have cantered
you
would have cantered
he/she/it
would have cantered
we
would have cantered
they
would have cantered
I
would have canter
you
would have canter
he/she/it
would have canter
we
would have canter
they
would have canter
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been cantering
you
would have been cantering
he/she/it
would have been cantering
we
would have been cantering
they
would have been cantering
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would canter
you
would canter
he/she/it
would canter
we
would canter
they
would canter
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be cantering
you
would be cantering
he/she/it
would be cantering
we
would be cantering
they
would be cantering
FUTURE
I
will canter
you
will canter
he/she/it
will canter
we
will canter
they
will canter
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be cantering
you
will be cantering
he/she/it
will be cantering
we
will be cantering
they
will be cantering
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have cantered
you
will have cantered
he/she/it
will have cantered
we
will have cantered
they
will have cantered
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been cantering
you
will have been cantering
he/she/it
will have been cantering
we
will have been cantering
they
will have been cantering
IMPERATIVE
you
canter
we
let´s canter
to canter
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was cantering
you
were cantering
he/she/it
was cantering
we
were cantering
they
were cantering
PAST PARTICIPLE
cantered
PAST PERFECT
I
had cantered
you
had cantered
he/she/it
had cantered
we
had cantered
they
had cantered
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been cantering
you
had been cantering
he/she/it
had been cantering
we
had been cantering
they
had been cantering
PRESENT
I
canter
you
canter
he/she/it
canters
we
canter
they
canter
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am cantering
you
are cantering
he/she/it
is cantering
we
are cantering
they
are cantering
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
cantering
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have cantered
you
have cantered
he/she/it
has cantered
we
have cantered
they
have cantered
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been cantering
you
have been cantering
he/she/it
has been cantering
we
have been cantering
they
have been cantering
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
canter
SIMPLE PAST
I
cantered
you
cantered
he/she/it
cantered
we
cantered
they
cantered
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