Strides vs. Pants — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 26, 2024
Strides refer to long walking steps, emphasizing movement and reach, while pants are a garment covering the body from the waist to the ankles.
Difference Between Strides and Pants
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Strides are typically used to describe long, decisive steps taken by an individual, highlighting the action and distance covered in walking or running. Pants, on the other hand, refer to a common piece of clothing worn by people of all ages and genders, designed to cover the legs and lower body.
In terms of usage, 'strides' often conveys progress or advancement in a metaphorical sense, such as "making strides in technology," whereas pants are a practical and essential item in everyday attire, rarely associated with metaphorical meanings.
When considering the context, strides are frequently mentioned in sports and fitness, describing an athlete's running technique or the pace in walking. Conversely, pants are discussed in fashion and daily wear, focusing on styles, materials, and fit.
The term strides can also be used figuratively to describe significant progress in various fields, such as "strides in medical research," while pants remain strictly literal, associated with clothing and personal style.
From a linguistic standpoint, 'strides' is both a noun and a verb, indicating the act of striding or the strides themselves, whereas 'pants' is primarily a noun, with the verb form used mainly in American English to describe the act of panting.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Long steps taken while walking or running
Garments covering the body from the waist to the ankles
Usage Context
Sports, fitness, metaphorical progress
Fashion, daily wear
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Noun, Verb (different meaning)
Common Associations
Movement, progress, technique
Style, material, comfort
Figurative Usage
Yes (e.g., making strides in research)
No
Compare with Definitions
Strides
A part of a mechanism's cycle.
The engine's strides were smooth and consistent.
Pants
Trousers in American English.
He wore a new pair of pants to the interview.
Strides
A long step in walking.
She took careful strides to avoid the puddles.
Pants
In verb form, to breathe heavily.
The dog panted in the heat.
Strides
Progress or development towards a goal.
The project has made significant strides this month.
Pants
Slang for something deemed poor or subpar.
That movie was total pants.
Strides
A verb meaning to walk with long, decisive steps.
He strode across the room confidently.
Pants
Informal term used to describe exertion or excitement.
I'm totally pantsed after that run.
Strides
A series of stages in progress.
By leaps and strides, the technology evolved.
Pants
A garment with separate sections for each leg.
Her pants matched her blazer perfectly.
Strides
To walk with long steps, especially in a hasty or vigorous way.
Pants
Underpants or knickers.
Strides
To take a single long step, as in passing over an obstruction.
Pants
Trousers
Corduroy pants
Wide pant legs
Strides
To stand or sit astride; straddle.
Pants
Rubbish; nonsense
He thought we were going to be absolute pants
Strides
To walk with long steps on, along, or over
Striding the stage.
Pants
To breathe rapidly in short gasps, as after exertion.
Strides
To step over or across
Stride a brook.
Pants
To beat loudly or heavily; throb or pulsate.
Strides
To be astride of; straddle.
Pants
To give off loud puffs, especially while moving.
Strides
The act of striding.
Pants
To long demonstratively; yearn
Was panting for a chance to play.
Strides
A single long step.
Pants
To utter hurriedly or breathlessly
I panted my congratulations to the winner of the race.
Strides
The distance traveled in such a step.
Pants
A short labored breath; a gasp.
Strides
A single coordinated movement of the four legs of a horse or other animal, completed when the legs return to their initial relative position.
Pants
A throb; a pulsation.
Strides
The distance traveled in such a movement.
Pants
A short loud puff, as of steam from an engine.
Strides
Often strides A step of progress; an advance
Making great strides in their studies.
Pants
An outer garment that covers the body below the waist, usually to the ankles, and is divided into sections to fit each leg separately
She decided to wear pants instead of a skirt. He bought a new pair of pants.
Strides
Plural of stride
Pants
Underpants.
Strides
Trousers.
Pants
An outer garment that covers the body from the waist downwards, covering each leg separately, usually as far as the ankles; trousers.
Pants
An undergarment that covers the genitals and often the buttocks and the neighbouring parts of the body; underpants.
Pants
Rubbish; something worthless.
You're talking pants!
The film was a load [or pile] of pants.
Pants
Of inferior quality, rubbish.
Your mobile is pants — why don’t you get one like mine?
Pants
A garment extending from the waist to the knee or ankle, covering each leg separately.
Pants
Underpants.
Pants
Underpants worn by women; panties.
Pants
(usually in the plural) a garment extending from the waist to the knee or ankle, covering each leg separately;
He had a sharp crease in his trousers
Pants
(usually in the plural) underpants worn by women;
She was afraid that her bloomers might have been showing
Common Curiosities
What are strides in a physical context?
Strides refer to long, sweeping steps taken when walking or running.
Can strides have a metaphorical meaning?
Yes, strides often symbolize significant progress or advancements in various contexts.
What is a common feature of most pants?
Most pants feature a waistband, a fly (zipper or buttons), and pockets.
How do cultural differences impact the style of pants?
Cultural preferences significantly influence pants' styles, cuts, and materials, reflecting regional attire norms.
Are pants considered casual or formal wear?
Pants vary widely from casual jeans to formal trousers, suitable for all occasions.
How does the term 'pants' differ in British and American English?
In British English, 'pants' typically refers to underwear, while in American English, it means trousers.
What materials are pants typically made of?
Pants can be made from a variety of materials including cotton, denim, and polyester.
Can strides be measured?
Yes, in walking or running, strides can be measured in terms of length and frequency.
Are there different types of pants for different activities?
Yes, there are various types of pants like cargo pants, athletic pants, and dress pants, each suited for different activities.
What does it mean to "wear the pants" in a family?
It's a colloquial expression meaning to be the decision maker or the dominant person in a relationship.
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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.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
