English vocabulary · B2
Prance
/præns/ · v., n.
It means to walk with high, confident steps, as if you want people to notice you. You lift your feet and move with pride.
Watch the Prance lessonContinue in the learning app for video lessons and review.
Example sentences
- The child pranced down the street in a new coat.
- The horse pranced across the field, head held high.
Word origin and roots
from Middle Dutch
- pransen — show off (from Middle Dutch)
Synonyms and nuances
- STRUT — walk slowly with pride (Slow & Proud)
- SWAGGER — walk in a bold, showy way (Tough & Showy)
- BOUND — move with big leaping steps (Energetic & Jumping)
Similar words
- strut
- swagger
- bound
Lesson notes
Prance. It means to walk with high, confident steps, as if you want people to notice you. You lift your feet and move with pride.
Similar words are strut, swagger, and bound. Use prance when the walk is light, high, and full of joy or pride.
The child pranced down the street in a new coat. The horse pranced across the field, head held high.
From Middle Dutch. pransen- means show off. To lift your steps and show off your energy — that is to prance.