Definition

1. Noun:

   • A structural support: A bar, rod, or other component designed to resist longitudinal compression and provide support, often used in architecture and engineering.
   • A proud, stiff, and pompous gait: A manner of walking characterized by an upright, stiff posture intended to display pride, confidence, or arrogance.

2. Verb:

   • To walk with a lofty, proud gait: To walk in a stiff, upright, and often arrogant manner, typically in an attempt to impress observers or display self-importance.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Structural Support):

  • The engineers installed a steel strut to reinforce the bridge's framework.
  • A broken strut in the aircraft's wing required immediate repair.

• Noun (Pompous Gait):

  • His confident strut as he entered the room caught everyone's attention.
  • The rooster's proud strut across the yard is a classic sight.

• Verb:

  • The proud winner strutted across the stage to collect the trophy.
  • He struts around the office as if he owns the place.

Advanced Usage

• "strut one's stuff": To display one's abilities, attributes, or possessions in a confident, showy, or boastful manner.
  • At the talent show, she really strutted her stuff and won first place.

Variants and Related Words

• Strutting (present participle/gerund): The act of walking with a proud gait.

  • His constant strutting was beginning to annoy his colleagues.

• Strutted (simple past and past participle): The past tense and past participle form of the verb 'strut'.

  • The model strutted down the runway with great confidence.

Synonyms

• Noun (Gait): Swagger, prance.
• Verb: Swagger, parade, prance.

Related Phrases

• Cock of the walk: An idiom for a person who acts in a domineering, arrogant, or showy manner, often involving a strutting gait. (Note: This is an idiom that conceptually relates to the attitude displayed when one struts).
  • After his promotion, he became the cock of the walk, strutting through the department.

Notes on Meaning

• The two primary meanings of 'strut' are distinct: one is a technical term for a supporting structure, and the other describes a specific, often negative, style of walking associated with vanity. The connection lies in the idea of providing stiff support or presenting a stiff, upright appearance.

Noun

1. brace consisting of a bar or rod used to resist longitudinal compression
2. a proud stiff pompous gait

Verb

1. to walk with a lofty proud gait, often in an attempt to impress others
   • He struts around like a rooster in a hen house