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Meaning & use

volte

noun·Advancedtechnicalspecialist

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UK/vɒlt/
US/voʊlt/

Meanings

  1. nouncountabletechnicalspecialist

    In fencing, a quick turn of the body to avoid an opponent's blade or to change the line of attack.

    Grammar: Countable: one volte, two voltes.

    Patterns

    • execute a volte
    • a volte in fencing

    The fencer performed a sudden volte to dodge the lunge.

    Her coach taught her a defensive volte that confused her rival.

  2. nouncountabletechnicalspecialist

    In equestrianism, a small circle or turn made by a horse and rider.

    Grammar: Countable; often used in the plural 'voltes' when describing a series of turns.

    Patterns

    • ride a volte
    • a volte in dressage

    The rider asked the horse to make a perfect volte at the canter.

    Dressage tests often include a volte as a movement.

Word forms

pluralvoltes

Common combinations

execute a volte
The fencer executed a volte to evade the attack.
perform a volte
She performed a volte with grace and speed.
a volte in dressage
A volte in dressage is a circle of about six meters.

Synonyms and how they differ

turn
A general word for any change of direction; 'volte' is specific to fencing or riding and implies a quick, evasive movement.
twist
Suggests a rotating motion, often of the body; 'volte' is more technical and used in specific sports.

Commonly confused: volte or volt? volte or volte-face?

volte vs volt

A unit of electrical potential; 'volte' is a fencing or riding term. They sound similar but are completely different.

volte vs volte-face

Means a complete reversal of opinion; 'volte' alone is a physical turn in sport.

Practice

In which sport would you most likely hear the term 'volte'?

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