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Meaning of Word

Trail refers to a path or track, often one that is marked by footsteps or wear, typically leading through a natural environment, or it can describe something that follows or is left behind as a result of movement.

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. Trail (noun): A path, track, or route that has been marked out or created by foot or vehicle traffic, often through a natural setting.
2. Trail (verb): To follow or lag behind something or someone, or to leave behind a mark or evidence of movement.
3. Trail (noun, figurative): A series of signs, marks, or indications left behind that suggest a course or series of events.
4. Trail (verb, figurative): To be behind in progress or to struggle to keep up with a competitor or goal.

History and Origin

The word trail comes from the Old French trailer, meaning “to drag or trail,” derived from the Latin trahere, meaning “to pull.” Historically, it referred to dragging something along the ground, and over time, it evolved to describe the marks left by something that had been dragged, leading to its association with paths and routes.

Detailed Explanation

A trail can refer to both a physical path and a figurative concept. Physically, it refers to a marked or worn path created by frequent use, often in natural settings such as forests, mountains, or fields. Trails can be created by hikers, vehicles, or animals. For example, hiking trails in national parks are typically designated paths for people to follow while exploring nature.

In a figurative sense, trail refers to something that follows or lags behind. For instance, one might “trail behind” in a race, or someone might “leave a trail of evidence” indicating the sequence of their actions. It can also describe something that is continuously followed or pursued, like a detective trailing a suspect.

Example Sentences

1. The hikers followed the narrow trail through the forest.
2. The dog left a trail of paw prints in the snow.
3. She was trailing behind in the race but still hopeful she could catch up.
4. The police officer followed the suspect’s trail to a nearby house.
5. The trail of bread crumbs led the children back to the house.
6. The cyclist sped down the mountain, leaving a dusty trail behind.
7. The detective was careful not to lose the trail of clues in the investigation.
8. As the sun set, they could barely see the trail through the darkening woods.
9. The company began to trail behind its competitors in market share.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Path: A narrow way or track created by foot or vehicle traffic, similar to a trail.
2. Route: A designated course or direction taken, often used interchangeably with trail.
3. Track: A line or path that is followed or left behind, particularly by vehicles or animals.
4. Way: A method or route of travel, sometimes used as a synonym for trail.
5. Footpath: A path for walking, particularly one created by the constant use of footsteps.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Hiking: Walking through natural environments, often on marked trails.
2. Wander: To move aimlessly or without a fixed direction, often leading to a trail being left behind.
3. Pursue: To follow or chase, similar to trailing someone or something.
4. Pathway: A more general term for any kind of way or path, often leading to a destination, similar to a trail.
5. Footprint: The mark or impression left by a foot, similar to the marks on a trail.

Antonyms

1. Destination: The endpoint or goal of a journey, opposite of a trail, which is the path leading there.
2. Head: To move toward or lead in a specific direction, opposite of trailing behind.
3. Lead: To go ahead or guide, contrary to following or trailing.
4. Front: The position at the ahead part, opposed to trailing at the rear.
5. Advancement: The act of moving forward or progressing, the opposite of lagging behind or trailing.