Definition

Adjective 1. Describing a gait or movement characterized by lifting the feet or legs unusually high off the ground: This term is used to describe the way a person or animal walks or moves, emphasizing a deliberate, elevated step. It often implies a proud, showy, or exaggerated manner of walking.

Usage

The adjective "high-stepped" is used attributively (before a noun) to describe a specific type of stride or movement. It is not commonly used predictively (after a linking verb like "is" or "was").

Examples

• The soldier marched with a high-stepped gait during the parade.
• We watched the high-stepped prance of the show horses.
• His high-stepped walk made him look very confident and formal.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often associated with specific contexts:
  • Equestrian: Describing the trained, elevated gait of certain horse breeds in shows.
  • Military or Marching Bands: Describing a formal, exaggerated marching style.
  • Figurative Use: Can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe someone behaving in a proud or ostentatious manner.

Variants and Related Words

• High-stepping (Adjective): This is a more common variant with the same meaning. It can be used both attributively and predictively.
  • Example: The drum major led the band with a high-stepping march. / The horse was high-stepping.
• High-step (Verb): The action of walking with high steps.
  • Example: The models were instructed to high-step down the runway.

Synonyms

• Prancing: Moving with high, springy steps (often used for horses or joyful movement).
• Strutting: Walking in a proud, stiff way, often to impress others.
• Marching: Walking with regular, measured steps, often in a military context.

Antonyms

• Shuffling: Walking without lifting the feet properly.
• Dragging: Pulling the feet slowly along the ground.
• Slouching: Walking with a drooping, lazy posture.

Adjective

1. having or moving with a high step
   • his high-stepped stride
   • a high-stepping horse