Amble vs. Walk — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 27, 2024
Amble refers to a relaxed, leisurely walking pace, while walk encompasses a broader range of speeds and purposes.
Difference Between Amble and Walk
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An amble is specifically characterized by its slow and easy pace, suggesting a stroll taken more for pleasure or relaxation. On the other hand, walking can be for various speeds and purposes, including exercise, commuting, or a casual stroll.
People who amble often do so to enjoy their surroundings or engage in casual conversation, highlighting the leisurely aspect of this type of walking. Whereas, walking can be a more purpose-driven activity, such as getting to a destination quickly or as part of a fitness routine.
The physical exertion in ambling is typically lower, making it suitable for those who prefer a gentler form of exercise or for socializing during the walk. In contrast, walking can range from a gentle stroll to a brisk walk, accommodating a wider range of physical activities and intensities.
In terms of context, ambling is often seen in scenarios where time is not a pressing issue, such as walking through a park or a scenic area. Meanwhile, walking can occur in a variety of contexts, from urban environments where it might be a commute to rural paths used for vigorous hikes.
The terminology used also differs; amble is often associated with a more poetic or quaint usage, conveying an old-fashioned or leisurely connotation. Walking, however, is a straightforward term used daily to describe the basic mode of human locomotion.
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Comparison Chart
Speed
Slow, leisurely
Varies from slow to brisk
Purpose
Primarily for pleasure or relaxation
Can be for exercise, transportation, or leisure
Physical Exertion
Low, gentle on the body
Can range from low to high depending on the pace
Typical Context
Scenic areas, leisure outings
Urban commutes, nature hikes, fitness routines
Connotation in Usage
Poetic, often implies a relaxed, enjoyable time
Practical, commonly used to describe basic movement
Compare with Definitions
Amble
Walking with no urgent destination.
On vacation, they loved to amble around the new city.
Walk
To travel a distance by foot for health or recreation.
They walk three miles every day for exercise.
Amble
To wander leisurely, often in a scenic or rural setting.
He ambled through the countryside, enjoying the peace.
Walk
To move at a steady pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn.
She walks to work every morning.
Amble
A leisurely walk at a slow, relaxed pace.
They decided to amble through the quaint village to soak in the atmosphere.
Walk
To patrol or move around an area on foot.
The guard walked the perimeter of the building.
Amble
To stroll casually without a rush.
After dinner, we ambled along the riverbank.
Walk
To lead or guide someone on foot.
He walked her to her car in the parking lot.
Amble
Moving at a pace comfortable for easy conversation.
They ambled down the lane, chatting about old times.
Walk
To follow a route or course on foot.
We walked the marked trail in the national park.
Amble
Amble is a town on the North Sea coast of Northumberland, England, at the mouth of the River Coquet; Coquet Island is visible from its beaches and harbour. In 2011, it had a population of 6,025.
Walk
Move at a regular pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once
She turned and walked a few paces
I walked across the lawn
Amble
To walk slowly or leisurely; stroll.
Walk
Guide, accompany, or escort (someone) on foot
He walked her home to her door
A meeting to walk parents through the complaint process
Amble
To move along at an easy gait by using both legs on one side alternately with both on the other. Used of a horse.
Walk
(of a thing) go missing or be stolen
Customers have to leave a deposit to ensure the beer glasses don't walk
Amble
An unhurried or leisurely walk.
Walk
Abandon or suddenly withdraw from a job or commitment
He was in place as the male lead but walked at the eleventh hour
Amble
An easy gait, especially that of a horse.
Walk
(of a batsman) leave the field without waiting to be given out by the umpire.
Amble
An unhurried leisurely walk or stroll.
Walk
Reach first base automatically after not hitting at four balls pitched outside the strike zone.
Amble
An easy gait, especially that of a horse.
Walk
(of a ghost) be visible; appear
The ghosts of Bannockburn walked abroad
Amble
(intransitive) To stroll or walk slowly and leisurely.
Walk
Live or behave in a particular way
Walk humbly with your God
Amble
(intransitive) Of a quadruped: to move along by using both legs on one side, and then the other.
Walk
An act of travelling or an outing on foot
He was too restless to sleep, so he went out for a walk
Amble
To go at the easy gait called an amble; - applied to the horse or to its rider.
Walk
A route recommended or marked out for recreational walking
There are picnic places and waymarked walks
Amble
To move somewhat like an ambling horse; to go easily or without hard shocks.
The skipping king, he ambled up and down.
Sir, your wit ambles well; it goes easily.
Walk
An unhurried rate of movement on foot
They crossed the field at a leisurely walk
Amble
A peculiar gait of a horse, in which both legs on the same side are moved at the same time, alternating with the legs on the other side.
Walk
A part of a forest under one keeper.
Amble
A movement like the amble of a horse.
Walk
A farm where a hound puppy is trained.
Amble
A leisurely walk (usually in some public place)
Walk
An instance of reaching first base automatically after not hitting at four balls pitched outside the strike zone.
Amble
Walk leisurely
Walk
A flock of snipe.
Walk
To move over a surface by taking steps with the feet at a pace slower than a run
A baby learning to walk.
A horse walking around a riding ring.
Walk
To go or travel on foot
Walked to the store.
Walk
To go on foot for pleasure or exercise; stroll
Walked along the beach looking for shells.
Walk
To move in a manner suggestive of walking
Saw a woodpecker walking up the tree trunk.
Walk
To conduct oneself or behave in a particular manner; live
Walks in majesty and pride.
Walk
To appear as a supernatural being
The specter of famine walks through the land.
Walk
To go out on strike.
Walk
To resign from one's job abruptly; quit.
Walk
To be acquitted
The alleged killer walked.
Walk
(Baseball) To go to first base after the pitcher has thrown four pitches ruled as balls.
Walk
(Basketball) To move illegally while holding the ball; travel.
Walk
(Obsolete) To be in constant motion.
Walk
To go or pass over, on, or through by walking
Walk the financial district of a city.
Walk
To bring to a specified condition by walking
They walked me to exhaustion.
Walk
To cause to walk or proceed at a walk
Walk a horse uphill.
Walk
To accompany in walking; escort on foot
Walk the children home.
Walked me down the hall.
Walk
To traverse on foot in order to survey or measure; pace off
Walked the bounds of the property.
Walk
To move (a heavy or cumbersome object) in a manner suggestive of walking
Walked the bureau into the hall.
Walk
To allow (a batter) to go to first base by throwing four pitches ruled as balls.
Walk
To cause (a run) to score by walking a batter. Often used with in.
Walk
The gait of a human or other biped in which the feet are lifted alternately with one part of a foot always on the ground.
Walk
The gait of a quadruped in which at least two feet are always touching the ground, especially the gait of a horse in which the feet touch the ground in the four-beat sequence of near hind foot, near forefoot, off hind foot, off forefoot.
Walk
The self-controlled extravehicular movement in space of an astronaut.
Walk
The act or an instance of walking, especially a stroll for pleasure or exercise.
Walk
The rate at which one walks; a walking pace.
Walk
The characteristic way in which one walks.
Walk
The distance covered or to be covered in walking.
Walk
A place, such as a sidewalk or promenade, on which one may walk.
Walk
A route or circuit particularly suitable for walking
One of the prettiest walks in the area.
Walk
(Baseball) A base on balls.
Walk
(Basketball) The act or an instance of moving illegally with the ball; traveling.
Walk
A track event in which contestants compete in walking a specified distance.
Walk
Racewalking.
Walk
An enclosed area designated for the exercise or pasture of livestock.
Walk
An arrangement of trees or shrubs planted in widely spaced rows.
Walk
The space between such rows.
Walk
(intransitive) To move on the feet by alternately setting each foot (or pair or group of feet, in the case of animals with four or more feet) forward, with at least one foot on the ground at all times. Compare run.
To walk briskly for an hour every day is to keep fit.
Walk
To "walk free", i.e. to win, or avoid, a criminal court case, particularly when actually guilty.
If you can’t present a better case, that robber is going to walk.
Walk
Of an object, to go missing or be stolen.
If you leave your wallet lying around, it’s going to walk.
Walk
To walk off the field, as if given out, after the fielding side appeals and before the umpire has ruled; done as a matter of sportsmanship when the batsman believes he is out.
Walk
(transitive) To travel (a distance) by walking.
I walk two miles to school every day.
The museum’s not far from here – you can walk it.
Walk
(transitive) To take for a walk or accompany on a walk.
I walk the dog every morning.
Will you walk me home?
Walk
To allow a batter to reach base by pitching four balls.
Walk
(transitive) To move something by shifting between two positions, as if it were walking.
I carefully walked the ladder along the wall.
Walk
(transitive) To full; to beat cloth to give it the consistency of felt.
Walk
(transitive) To traverse by walking (or analogous gradual movement).
I walked the streets aimlessly.
Debugging this computer program involved walking the heap.
Walk
To operate the left and right throttles of (an aircraft) in alternation.
Walk
To leave, resign.
If we don't offer him more money he'll walk.
Walk
(transitive) To push (a vehicle) alongside oneself as one walks.
Walk
To behave; to pursue a course of life; to conduct oneself.
Walk
(obsolete) To be in motion; to act; to move.
Walk
To put, keep, or train (a puppy) in a walk, or training area for dogfighting.
Walk
To move a guest to another hotel if their confirmed reservation is not available on day of check-in.
Walk
A trip made by walking.
I take a walk every morning.
Walk
A distance walked.
It’s a long walk from my house to the library.
Walk
(sports) An Olympic Games track event requiring that the heel of the leading foot touch the ground before the toe of the trailing foot leaves the ground.
Walk
A manner of walking; a person's style of walking.
The Ministry of Silly Walks is underfunded this year.
Walk
A path, sidewalk/pavement or other maintained place on which to walk.
Walk
(figurative) A person's conduct or course in life.
Walk
(poker) A situation where all players fold to the big blind, as their first action (instead of calling or raising), once they get their cards.
Walk
(baseball) An award of first base to a batter following four balls being thrown by the pitcher; known in the rules as a "base on balls".
The pitcher now has two walks in this inning alone.
Walk
In coffee, coconut, and other plantations, the space between them.
Walk
An area of an estate planted with fruit-bearing trees.
Walk
(historical) A place for keeping and training puppies for dogfighting.
Walk
(historical) An enclosed area in which a gamecock is confined to prepare him for fighting.
Walk
(graph theory) A sequence of alternating vertices and edges, where each edge's endpoints are the preceding and following vertices in the sequence.
Walk
(colloquial) Something very easily accomplished; a walk in the park.
Walk
A cheque drawn on a bank that was not a member of the London Clearing and whose sort code was allocated on a one-off basis; they had to be "walked" (hand-delivered by messengers).
Walk
To move along on foot; to advance by steps; to go on at a moderate pace; specifically, of two-legged creatures, to proceed at a slower or faster rate, but without running, or lifting one foot entirely before the other touches the ground.
At the end of twelve months, he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.
When Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
Walk
To move or go on the feet for exercise or amusement; to take one's exercise; to ramble.
Walk
To be in motion; to act; to move; to wag.
Do you think I'd walk in any plot?
I heard a pen walking in the chimney behind the cloth.
Walk
To behave; to pursue a course of life; to conduct one's self.
We walk perversely with God, and he will walk crookedly toward us.
Walk
To move off; to depart.
He will make their cows and garrans to walk.
Walk
To pass through, over, or upon; to traverse; to perambulate; as, to walk the streets.
As we walk our earthly round.
Walk
To cause to walk; to lead, drive, or ride with a slow pace; as, to walk one's horses; to walk the dog.
Walk
To subject, as cloth or yarn, to the fulling process; to full.
Walk
To put or keep (a puppy) in a walk; to train (puppies) in a walk.
Walk
To move in a manner likened to walking.
She walked a spinning wheel into the house, making it use first one and then the other of its own spindling legs to achieve progression rather than lifting it by main force.
Walk
The act of walking, or moving on the feet with a slow pace; advance without running or leaping.
Walk
The act of walking for recreation or exercise; as, a morning walk; an evening walk.
Walk
Manner of walking; gait; step; as, we often know a person at a distance by his walk.
Walk
That in or through which one walks; place or distance walked over; a place for walking; a path or avenue prepared for foot passengers, or for taking air and exercise; way; road; hence, a place or region in which animals may graze; place of wandering; range; as, a sheep walk.
A woody mountain . . . with goodliest treesPlanted, with walks and bowers.
He had walk for a hundred sheep.
Amid the sound of steps that beatThe murmuring walks like rain.
Walk
A frequented track; habitual place of action; sphere; as, the walk of the historian.
The mountains are his walks.
He opened a boundless walk for his imagination.
Walk
Conduct; course of action; behavior.
Walk
The route or district regularly served by a vender; as, a milkman's walk.
Walk
In coffee, coconut, and other plantations, the space between them.
Walk
A place for keeping and training puppies.
Walk
The act of traveling by foot;
Walking is a healthy form of exercise
Walk
(baseball) an advance to first base by a batter who receives four balls;
He worked the pitcher for a base on balls
Walk
Manner of walking;
He had a funny walk
Walk
The act of walking somewhere;
He took a walk after lunch
Walk
A path set aside for walking;
After the blizzard he shoveled the front walk
Walk
A slow gait of a horse in which two feet are always on the ground
Walk
Careers in general;
It happens in all walks of life
Walk
Use one's feet to advance; advance by steps;
Walk, don't run!
We walked instead of driving
She walks with a slight limp
The patient cannot walk yet
Walk over to the cabinet
Walk
Traverse or cover by walking;
Walk the tightrope
Paul walked the streets of Damascus
She walks 3 miles every day
Walk
Accompany or escort;
I'll walk you to your car
Walk
Obtain a base on balls
Walk
Live or behave in a specified manner;
Walk in sadness
Walk
Take a walk; go for a walk; walk for pleasure;
The lovers held hands while walking
We like to walk every Sunday
Walk
Give a base on balls to
Walk
Be or act in association with;
We must walk with our dispossessed brothers and sisters
Walk with God
Walk
Make walk;
He walks the horse up the mountain
Walk the dog twice a day
Walk
Walk at a pace;
The horsese walked across the meadow
Common Curiosities
Can walking be considered exercise?
Yes, walking can be a form of exercise, especially at a brisk pace.
What is an amble?
An amble is a slow, leisurely walk, typically taken for enjoyment.
What settings are best for an amble?
Scenic or tranquil environments like parks or quiet neighborhoods are ideal for ambling.
How does ambling differ from walking?
Ambling is specifically slow and leisurely, while walking can vary in purpose and speed.
How can I make my walks more enjoyable?
Exploring new routes, listening to music or podcasts, or walking with friends can enhance the walking experience.
What gear is needed for walking?
Comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather are typically sufficient.
Is ambling good for health?
Ambling can be beneficial for mental health by reducing stress, though it provides less cardiovascular benefit than faster walking.
Does walking speed affect health benefits?
Yes, faster paces offer greater cardiovascular benefits, though any walking is better than none.
Can you amble in an urban setting?
While possible, ambling is less common in busy urban settings due to the faster pace of city life.
Why do people walk?
People walk for many reasons, including transportation, exercise, and leisure.
Is there an optimal time of day for walking?
Any time that fits an individual’s schedule is good, though morning or evening may offer cooler temperatures.
How long should a typical walk be?
The duration can vary, but a minimum of 30 minutes a day is recommended for health benefits.
Can walking replace other forms of exercise?
Walking is a great basic form of exercise but may need to be supplemented with other activities for comprehensive fitness.
What are the benefits of walking daily?
Regular walking improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and boosts mood.
What precautions should be taken when walking?
Being aware of one’s surroundings, wearing visible clothing, and staying hydrated are important, especially in varied weather conditions.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
