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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Trail Meaning, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：narrow path (Trail)

Trail 🔊

/treɪl/

n./v.

A narrow path in the countryside, often through woods or hills, for walking or hiking.

narrow path 🔊

➕

/ˈnæroʊ pæθ/

n./v.

A narrow, often unpaved path in natural surroundings, used for walking or hiking.

📁 Category：Natural Geography 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old French 'trailler' (to tow), ultimately from Latin 'trahere' (to pull).

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'Leave a trail while you TRAIL behind.' The same word for the path and the act of following it.

📖 Example

We followed the trail through the forest to find a hidden lake. 🔊 We followed the trail through the forest to find a hidden lake.

🔗 Collocations

trail map – A map showing trails for hiking or biking.

off the beaten trail – Away from the main path, secluded or less traveled.

wilderness trail – A trail through a natural, undeveloped area.

🔄 Synonyms

path (n.) – A route or track along which something moves.

track (n.) – A mark or series of marks left by something that has passed; also a rough path.

footpath (n.) – A narrow path for pedestrians, especially in the countryside.

🚫 Antonyms

road (n.) – A wide, paved way for vehicles.

highway (n.) – A main road, especially one connecting towns or cities.

🌱 Derivatives

trailblazer (n.) – A person who is the first to do something; pioneer.

trailhead (n.) – The starting point of a trail.

trailing (adj.) – Growing long and hanging down, or following behind.

📖 Cultural Story

The noun 'trail' originally meant 'the mark left by a dragged object' in the 14th century, evolving from the verb sense of dragging or following a path.

Meaning 2：follow behind (Trail)

Trail 🔊

/treɪl/

n./v.

To follow behind someone or something, often slowly or at a distance.

Trail as following behind child walking on park path

follow behind 🔊

➕

/ˈfɑːloʊ bɪˈhaɪnd/

n./v.

To move slowly behind someone or something, often at a distance.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The little boy trailed behind his parents at the zoo, looking at all the animals. 🔊 The little boy trailed behind his parents at the zoo, looking at all the animals.

🔗 Collocations

trail behind – To fall behind others in movement or progress.

trail off – To gradually become quieter and then stop.

trail along – To accompany someone, often in a slow or reluctant manner.

🔄 Synonyms

follow (v.) – To come after or move behind someone or something.

pursue (v.) – To follow in order to catch or achieve something.

lag (v.) – To fall behind in movement or progress.

🚫 Antonyms

lead (v.) – To be at the front, guiding others.

outrun (v.) – To run faster than someone or something.

🌱 Derivatives

trailer (n.) – A vehicle towed by another; also a short film preview.

trailing (adj.) – Growing long and hanging down, or following behind.