How Do You Spell CANTER?

Pronunciation: [kˈantə] (IPA)

The word "canter" is spelled with a "c" and an "a" in the first syllable, and "ter" in the second. The "a" is pronounced with the short "a" sound, like in the word "cat." The "c" is pronounced with a hard "k" sound, as opposed to a "s" sound. The "er" in the second syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, which is a reduced vowel sound. Cantering is a comfortable riding gait between a trot and a gallop.

CANTER Meaning and Definition

  1. The verb "canter" refers to the act of riding a horse at a moderate and rhythmic pace. It describes a three-beat gait that is faster than a trot but slower than a gallop. During a canter, the horse's legs move in a specific pattern: the first and third legs hit the ground simultaneously, followed by a brief moment when all four legs are off the ground, and then the second and fourth legs hit the ground at the same time. This alternating pattern creates a smooth and flowing motion.

    In addition to equestrian contexts, "canter" can also be used metaphorically to describe a steady, relaxed, and effortless movement or progress in other activities. For instance, it can be applied to describe the graceful movement of a dancer or the flowing rhythm of a musical composition.

    This term is derived from the Old English word "cantra," meaning "to sing or enchant." It may have been influenced by the Latin word "cantare." Over time, the meaning of "canter" shifted from referring to a cornering movement to indicating a specific horse gait.

    Overall, "canter" is a versatile term used in both literal and figurative contexts to describe a gentle, rhythmic, and fluid motion or pace, most commonly associated with horseback riding.

  2. • A moderate gallop.
    • To run, as a horse in an easy gallop.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for CANTER *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for CANTER

Etymology of CANTER

The word "canter" has an interesting etymology. It originated from the Old French word "chanter", which means "to sing". In the Middle Ages, horse riders used to sing or chant during a specific type of motion called the "canter". This gait was considered more comfortable and leisurely than a gallop, hence riders would often sing or chant while doing so. Eventually, the term "canter" came to be associated with this particular horse gait and entered the English language with the same meaning.

Idioms with the word CANTER

  • at/in a canter The idiom "at/in a canter" refers to performing a task or achieving something with ease or without much effort. It often suggests that the person is completing the task effortlessly and is skilled or experienced in doing so. The term "canter" is a horse riding term that describes a smooth and comfortable gait, indicating a relaxed and controlled pace. Therefore, "at/in a canter" implies that the person is effortlessly accomplishing a task, just as a skilled rider can effortlessly guide a horse at a comfortable canter.
  • at a canter The idiom "at a canter" refers to the act of completing a task or engaging in an activity easily and effortlessly, without facing any significant challenges or difficulties. It suggests that the action or process is smooth, comfortable, and requires minimal effort, similar to the relaxed and comfortable pace of a horse cantering.
  • in a canter The idiom "in a canter" refers to performing a task or achieving a victory with great ease, minimal effort, or without facing any significant challenges or obstacles. It suggests that something is accomplished effortlessly, as if it were as simple as a leisurely horse ride known as a canter.

Similar spelling words for CANTER

Plural form of CANTER is CANTERS

Conjugate verb Canter

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have cantered
you would have cantered
he/she/it would have cantered
we would have cantered
they would have cantered
I would have canter
you would have canter
he/she/it would have canter
we would have canter
they would have canter

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been cantering
you would have been cantering
he/she/it would have been cantering
we would have been cantering
they would have been cantering

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would canter
you would canter
he/she/it would canter
we would canter
they would canter

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be cantering
you would be cantering
he/she/it would be cantering
we would be cantering
they would be cantering

FUTURE

I will canter
you will canter
he/she/it will canter
we will canter
they will canter

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be cantering
you will be cantering
he/she/it will be cantering
we will be cantering
they will be cantering

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have cantered
you will have cantered
he/she/it will have cantered
we will have cantered
they will have cantered

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been cantering
you will have been cantering
he/she/it will have been cantering
we will have been cantering
they will have been cantering

IMPERATIVE

you canter
we let´s canter

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to canter

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was cantering
you were cantering
he/she/it was cantering
we were cantering
they were cantering

PAST PARTICIPLE

cantered

PAST PERFECT

I had cantered
you had cantered
he/she/it had cantered
we had cantered
they had cantered

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been cantering
you had been cantering
he/she/it had been cantering
we had been cantering
they had been cantering

PRESENT

I canter
you canter
he/she/it canters
we canter
they canter

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am cantering
you are cantering
he/she/it is cantering
we are cantering
they are cantering

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

cantering

PRESENT PERFECT

I have cantered
you have cantered
he/she/it has cantered
we have cantered
they have cantered

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been cantering
you have been cantering
he/she/it has been cantering
we have been cantering
they have been cantering

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it canter

SIMPLE PAST

I cantered
you cantered
he/she/it cantered
we cantered
they cantered

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