Definition

Noun: 1. A leisurely walk or stroll, especially one taken in a public place for pleasure or display. This is the primary meaning, referring to the act of walking slowly for enjoyment, often to see and be seen. 2. A public walkway or promenade. This meaning refers to the physical place, such as a path, street, or avenue, designed or commonly used for such walks.

Usage and Examples

• As an act of walking:
  • Every evening, the whole family enjoys a gentle paseo along the waterfront.
  • Taking a Sunday paseo is a beloved tradition in many Spanish towns.
• As a place for walking:
  • The beautiful tree-lined paseo is filled with people enjoying the afternoon sun.
  • We sat on a bench on the paseo and watched the world go by.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• Cultural Context: The word is borrowed from Spanish and retains a strong cultural association with the tradition of an evening stroll, often in a town's main square or promenade. It implies more social ritual and leisure than a simple "walk."
• Formality: It is a somewhat literary or specialized term in English, used to evoke a specific, leisurely atmosphere. In everyday speech, "walk," "stroll," or "promenade" are more common.

Variants and Related Words

• Promenade (n): A paved public walk, typically along a waterfront, or a formal, leisurely walk. (A close synonym for as a place or activity).
• Esplanade (n): A long, open, level area, usually beside a body of water, used as a public walk.

Synonyms

• Stroll (n): A leisurely walk.
• Walk (n): The act of traveling on foot.
• Saunter (n): A leisurely, unhurried walk.

Antonyms

• Run (n)
• Sprint (n)
• Hurry (n)

Noun

1. a path set aside for walking
   • after the blizzard he shoveled the front walk