Definition

1. Verb:
   • To move with light, quick, and often playful jumps or skips: "hop-skip" describes a manner of locomotion characterized by a series of short, light, and bouncy jumps, often combining a hop (a small jump on one foot) and a skip (a light step and hop). It implies a sense of lightness, energy, and sometimes playfulness.

Usage

• The verb "hop-skip" is used to describe a specific, buoyant way of moving. It is often associated with children's play, joyful movement, or light-hearted travel over a short distance.
• It is typically used intransitively (without a direct object).

Examples

• Verb:
  • The child decided to hop-skip all the way to the park instead of walking.
  • She was so happy that she hop-skipped down the garden path.
  • You can see the lambs hop-skipping in the field during spring.

Advanced Usage

• "to hop-skip and jump": This is a common extended phrase that emphasizes a sequence of light, bouncing movements. It is often used to describe a carefree or exuberant way of moving.
  • The path was clear, so they hop-skipped and jumped their way to the front door.

Variants and Related Words

• Hop (verb): To jump lightly, especially on one foot.
• Skip (verb): To move along lightly, stepping from one foot to the other with a hop or bounce.
• Skipping (noun): The action or movement of skipping.

Synonyms

• Bounce: To move with a light, springy step.
• Prancing: To move with high, springy steps.
• Caper: To skip or dance about in a lively or playful way.
• Gambol: To run or jump about playfully.

Antonyms

• Trudge: To walk slowly and with heavy steps.
• Plod: To walk doggedly and slowly with heavy steps.
• Stomp: To tread or stamp heavily.

Related Phrases

• Hop, skip, and a jump: An idiom meaning a very short distance.
  • The store is just a hop, skip, and a jump from my house.

Verb

1. jump lightly