• Hiking and Hike: "Hiking" is a verb that refers to the activity of walking for pleasure in natural settings. "Hike" is the noun form of the same activity.
  • Hikking and Hikke: "Hikking" and "Hikke" can refer to a hiccup or the action of hiccuping in some contexts, especially in Norwegian. Please note that the usage of "hikke" to mean hiccup is not common in English, and "hiccup" is the standard term.

In this blogpost, the author states that there are around 57.8 million hikers in the US, alone. Hiking has gain popularity of the years, as people want to escape the cities and with this, the words hiking and hike have increased in use as well, as shown in the graph below. But, people often misspell hiking for hikking, but as these two terms don't have the same meaning, they can't be used as each other.

What is the Difference: "Hikking" and "Hikke" vs. "Hiking" and "Hike"?

The distinction between these pairs lies in their meaning.

Hikke and Hikking

"Hikke" refers to the involuntary spasm of the diaphragm that causes one to take a quick breath, which is commonly known as a "hiccup" in English. "Hikking" would be the corresponding verb form, meaning "to hiccup."

More example sentences

  1. He had a little hikke in his speech, but he continued without missing a beat.
  2. Drinking water slowly can help alleviate hikkes.
  3. Sometimes, a sudden hikke can be quite surprising.
  4. Persistent hikkes can be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
  5. Holding your breath for a few seconds is a common remedy for hikkes.
  6. Her hikkes usually go away after a few minutes.
  7. Hikkes can be annoying, especially when you're trying to focus on something.
  8. I got a sudden hikke while I was in the middle of a presentation.
  9. Hikke remedies often involve drinking a glass of cold water.
  10. The baby's hikkes always made everyone smile; they were so cute.

Hiking and Hike

Use "hiking" when describing the act of walking in nature for enjoyment, exercise, or adventure.

"We're planning on hiking in the mountains this weekend."

In this context, "hiking" is a gerund that represents the activity or action of going on a hike in the mountains. It is used to describe what the subject (we) intends to do this weekend. In this sentence, "hiking" serves as the object of the preposition "on" and is the main activity or adventure the speaker and their companions plan to engage in during the upcoming weekend.

"Hike" is used as a noun to refer to a specific instance or a trail used for hiking.

"The Appalachian Trail is a famous hike."

In the sentence "The Appalachian Trail is a famous hike," the word "hike" is used as a noun. In this context, "hike" refers to a specific trail or route for walking or trekking, and it is the object of the verb "is." The word "hike" here is used to identify and describe the nature of the trail itself, emphasizing that it is a route or path designated for hiking or walking. So, in this sentence, "hike" functions as a noun that represents the trail rather than the act of hiking.

More example sentences

  1. I went for a hike in the mountains to enjoy the fresh air.
  2. Hiking through the forest, I discovered a beautiful waterfall.
  3. Hiking is a great way to stay active and connect with nature.
  4. We planned a weekend hiking trip to explore the national park.
  5. She loves to hike up steep trails and challenge herself.
  6. Hiking boots are essential for a comfortable and safe hike.
  7. The group decided to go hiking in the canyon for their adventure.
  8. We spotted a rare bird while hiking along the riverbank.
  9. Hiking in the snow can be challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding.
  10. After a long hike, we set up camp and enjoyed a well-deserved rest.

More examples from the web

"The amount of hiking around L.A. is incredible," said Robert Stone, author of "Day Hikes Around Los Angeles" (Day Hike Books, 2003), a guide to the city's trails. - The New York Times - Travel
There are no hiking trails, although hiking can be arranged with a guide. - The New York Times - Travel
If you've never gone on a hike,hike. - Huffington Post

Synonyms

  • Trekking: A synonym for hiking, particularly used in the context of long, adventurous journeys.
    • "After months of preparation, we embarked on an adventurous trekking expedition through the rugged Himalayan terrain, surrounded by breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks."
  • Rambling: A less strenuous form of hiking, often involving leisurely walking in the countryside.
    • "On a lazy Sunday afternoon, we enjoyed rambling through the picturesque countryside, exploring hidden paths and discovering charming little villages along the way."

Antonyms

Antonyms for "hike" (noun) and "hiking" (verb) would be words that represent the opposite of walking for pleasure or adventure in nature. Some antonyms for these terms could include:

  • Indoors: Doing activities or spending time inside a building or a closed environment.
    • "The weather was terrible, so we decided to stay indoors and play board games."
  • Sedentary: A lifestyle characterized by minimal physical activity and extended periods of sitting.
    • "His sedentary lifestyle, spending hours at a desk each day, led to health issues."
  • Inactivity: The state of not being physically active or engaging in movement.
    • "Extended inactivity can lead to stiffness and reduced physical fitness."
  • Stationary: Staying in one place without movement or progress.
    • "The car remained stationary in the parking lot for the entire weekend."
  • Rest: Taking a break or relaxing without engaging in physical exertion.
    • "After a long day of hiking, it's essential to take a break and rest your tired legs."
  • Lethargy: A state of sluggishness or lack of energy.
    • "The heatwave left everyone feeling lethargic, with little motivation for physical activity."

Common Idioms

  1. Take a Hike: An idiomatic expression meaning to go away or leave, often used informally.
  2. Hike up a Mountain: To engage in a challenging or demanding endeavor.

Summary

In summary, "hiking" and "hike" are the correct and standard terms for the activity and its noun form. "Hikking" and "Hikke" are non-standard and incorrect and should be avoided. Understanding this difference will ensure your communication is clear and accurate when discussing outdoor activities and adventures.


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References

hikking
hikking - translate into English with the Norwegian-English Dictionary - Cambridge Dictionary
Definition of HIKE
to go on a hike; to travel by any means; to rise up; especially : to work upward out of place… See the full definition