Difference between revisions of "Promenade"
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==Etymology== | ==Etymology== | ||
French, from promener to take for a walk, from Middle French, alteration of Old French pourmener, from pour- completely (from [[Latin]] pro-) + mener to [[lead]] | French, from promener to take for a walk, from Middle French, alteration of Old French pourmener, from pour- completely (from [[Latin]] pro-) + mener to [[lead]] | ||
| − | *Date: [ | + | *Date: [https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/17th_Century 1648] |
==Definitions== | ==Definitions== | ||
*1 : a place for strolling | *1 : a place for strolling | ||
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:b : a figure in a square dance in which couples move counterclockwise in a [[circle]] | :b : a figure in a square dance in which couples move counterclockwise in a [[circle]] | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| − | An ''esplanade'' is a long, open, level area, usually next to a [[river]] or large [[body]] of [[water]], where people may walk. This allows people to promenade along the sea front, usually for recreational [[purposes]], whatever the [[state]] of the tide, without having to walk on the beach. Esplanades became popular in [ | + | An ''esplanade'' is a long, open, level area, usually next to a [[river]] or large [[body]] of [[water]], where people may walk. This allows people to promenade along the sea front, usually for recreational [[purposes]], whatever the [[state]] of the tide, without having to walk on the beach. Esplanades became popular in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victorian_era Victorian times] when it was [[fashion]]able to visit seaside resorts. |
The [[original]] [[meaning]] of esplanade was a large, open, level area outside fortress or [[city]] walls to provide clear fields of fire for the fortress against incoming infantry or artillery. Esplanade and '''promenade''' are sometimes used interchangeably, but that is a mistake. A promenade can be anywhere, and it is exclusively for walking, while an esplanade is for walking but also can include large boulevards or avenues with cars. A Promenade, often abbreviated to '(The) Prom', was an area where people - couples and [[families]] especially - would go to walk for a while in order to 'be seen' and be [[considered]] part of '[[society]]'. | The [[original]] [[meaning]] of esplanade was a large, open, level area outside fortress or [[city]] walls to provide clear fields of fire for the fortress against incoming infantry or artillery. Esplanade and '''promenade''' are sometimes used interchangeably, but that is a mistake. A promenade can be anywhere, and it is exclusively for walking, while an esplanade is for walking but also can include large boulevards or avenues with cars. A Promenade, often abbreviated to '(The) Prom', was an area where people - couples and [[families]] especially - would go to walk for a while in order to 'be seen' and be [[considered]] part of '[[society]]'. | ||
| − | A similar term with the same [[meaning]] in the eastern coastal region of Spain is [ | + | A similar term with the same [[meaning]] in the eastern coastal region of Spain is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Rambla rambla], but more widely referred to as paseo marítimo (esplanade), paseo (promenade) or explanada (esplanade) in the Hispanic world. |
[[Category: General Reference]] | [[Category: General Reference]] | ||
Latest revision as of 02:37, 13 December 2020
Etymology
French, from promener to take for a walk, from Middle French, alteration of Old French pourmener, from pour- completely (from Latin pro-) + mener to lead
- Date: 1648
Definitions
- 1 : a place for strolling
- 2 : a leisurely walk or ride especially in a public place for pleasure or display
- 3 a : a ceremonious opening of a formal ball consisting of a grand march of all the guests
- b : a figure in a square dance in which couples move counterclockwise in a circle
Description
An esplanade is a long, open, level area, usually next to a river or large body of water, where people may walk. This allows people to promenade along the sea front, usually for recreational purposes, whatever the state of the tide, without having to walk on the beach. Esplanades became popular in Victorian times when it was fashionable to visit seaside resorts.
The original meaning of esplanade was a large, open, level area outside fortress or city walls to provide clear fields of fire for the fortress against incoming infantry or artillery. Esplanade and promenade are sometimes used interchangeably, but that is a mistake. A promenade can be anywhere, and it is exclusively for walking, while an esplanade is for walking but also can include large boulevards or avenues with cars. A Promenade, often abbreviated to '(The) Prom', was an area where people - couples and families especially - would go to walk for a while in order to 'be seen' and be considered part of 'society'.
A similar term with the same meaning in the eastern coastal region of Spain is rambla, but more widely referred to as paseo marítimo (esplanade), paseo (promenade) or explanada (esplanade) in the Hispanic world.
