hike - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
hike Word Meanings
- to walk for pleasure in the countryside
- to take a long walk, often on trails
- to increase as in price or demand
hike Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
hike Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/haɪk/
US
/haɪk/
hike Word Etymology
hike = hike (to walk) + -e (verb form). Originated from dialectal English, early 19th century. Imagine a joyful trek through lush forests and up rugged hills, taking in fresh air and beautiful views.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Hike is a verb meaning to walk for pleasure in the countryside, typically along trails and over uneven ground, often as a longer outing than a casual stroll. It also appears in phrases like go hiking or take a hike, describing the act of spending several hours outdoors. In British and American usage, hikers may plan routes, pack water, and watch weather. Hike can also be used figuratively to mean a sudden increase in prices or demand (to hike prices). The historical root comes from dialectal English for walking, with early 19th-century usage. Remember the noun form a hike, which refers to the walk itself as a thing you did or will do.
Usage Reminders
- Use hike for outdoor walking; use hiking for the activity in progress; reserve hike for longer distances; remember hike can mean price increases; distinguish noun use as a walk, not a person; prefer go hiking for the general activity.
Common Misconceptions
- Hike always means a short neighborhood stroll.
- Hike and hike up are the same as 'rise' in prices in every context.
- Hike cannot be used with a distance or time reference.
- Hike is only a noun and never a verb.
- Price hike should always be applied to consumer goods and not wages.
Thinking Differences
In English, hike commonly refers to outdoor walking of longer distance and purpose, with the price-raising sense as a separate phrasal use. Learners often mix up hike with simple walks or treat the word only as a noun.
Learning Tips
- Learn the core meaning first: outdoor walk.
- Note the common phrasal form hike up prices.
- Use go hiking for general outdoor activity.
- Differentiate noun a hike from the verb hike.
- Practice with both literal and figurative contexts.
- Check collocations like hike a trail, hike up, long hike.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'hike' mean?
A.A long walk in nature
B.A small insect
C.A type of hat
D.A spicy food
Step 2: Usage
Choose the correct sentence using the word 'hike':
A.I love to bake cookies on the weekends.
B.He fixed the broken computer.
C.She wore a beautiful dress to the party.
D.Let's go for a hike in the mountains.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following is a synonym for 'hike'?
A.Amble
B.Decrease
C.Sleep
D.Laugh
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'hike'?
A.Rise
B.Swim
C.Descend
D.Sing
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you likely use the word 'hike'?
A.Cooking in the kitchen
B.Playing video games
C.Exploring a national park
D.Watching a movie
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