walk around

Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition

  1. Verb (intransitive):

    • To move about on foot in a leisurely, aimless, or random manner, often within a general area: The core meaning involves walking without a fixed destination or specific route.
    • To behave or carry oneself in a particular, often noticeable, way: Used figuratively to describe someone's habitual demeanor or the company they keep.

  2. Verb (transitive):

    • To move on foot around or about a specific object, place, or area: To walk so as to encircle, inspect, or traverse the perimeter of something.
Usage and Examples

  • Intransitive verb (aimless movement):

    • "We spent the afternoon just walking around the old town, exploring its narrow streets."
    • "He likes to walk around and think when he's trying to solve a difficult problem."

  • Intransitive verb (manner/behavior):

    • "Ever since he got the promotion, he walks around like he owns the place." (Behaves arrogantly)
    • "She walks around with a constant smile on her face." (Habitual demeanor)

  • Transitive verb (encircling/moving about an area):

    • "The security guard walks around the building every hour."
    • "Visitors are encouraged to walk around the sculpture to view it from all angles."
Advanced Usage and Nuances

  • "walk around with [something abstract]": To persistently have or display a particular feeling, idea, or attitude.

    • "He's been walking around with a sense of guilt since the argument."
    • "Don't walk around with the mistaken belief that this will be easy."

  • Implied lack of purpose: The phrase often, but not always, carries a connotation of casual, undirected, or recreational movement, as opposed to "walk to" (a destination) or "walk for" (a purpose like exercise).

Variants and Related Words
  • Walk about: A synonym, more common in British English, with identical meanings for aimless walking. ("She went for a walk about in the park.")
  • Stroll, Amble, Wander: Synonyms emphasizing a leisurely, relaxed, or aimless walk.
  • Pace, Circle: Synonyms for the transitive use, but with more specific connotations of repetitive or anxious movement.
Synonyms
  • For movement: Wander, stroll, amble, roam, meander.
  • For behavior/compartment: Conduct oneself, carry oneself, behave.
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Walk about: Functionally identical to the intransitive use of "walk around."
  • Walk off: To depart on foot, often to dissipate a feeling (e.g., "walk off a big meal").
  • Walk through: To rehearse or explain something step by step; or to traverse an area.
Idioms and Common Phrases
  • Walk around in a daze: To move about while being confused or stunned.
    • "After hearing the shocking news, she just walked around in a daze for the rest of the day."
  • Walk around on eggshells: To be extremely cautious in one's actions or words to avoid causing offense or trouble.
    • "Since their fight, everyone has been walking around on eggshells in the office."
Verb
  1. walk randomly
    • We were walking around in the neighborhood to see whether we could find an open drugstore
  2. behave in a certain manner or have certain properties
    • He walks around with his nose in the air
    • She walks around with this strange boyfriend
  3. walk around something
  4. walk with no particular goal
    • we were walking around in the garden
    • after breakfast, she walked about in the park

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