What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gait
Example
The horse's gait was smooth and steady. [gait: noun]
Example
She walked with a slow and deliberate gait. [gait: adjective]
bearing
Example
He had a regal bearing that commanded respect. [bearing: noun]
Example
Her confident bearing impressed the interviewers. [bearing: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bearing is more commonly used than gait in everyday language. Bearing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while gait is more limited in scope and is typically used in technical or medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gait and bearing?
Both gait and bearing can be used in formal and informal contexts, but bearing is more commonly used in social or interpersonal situations where formality may be more important.
