wade
word
Definition
To walk through water, mud, or something similar that is deep enough to make movement difficult. It can also mean to move slowly and with effort through a large amount of something, such as paperwork or information.
Usage & Nuances
Common with 'through' and things like 'water,' 'mud,' 'snow,' or 'paperwork': 'wade through a river,' 'wade through mud,' 'wade through emails.' It often suggests slow, difficult movement. In figurative use, it is common in everyday and journalistic English. Don't confuse it with 'walk' (neutral) or 'swim' (moving in water without standing).
Example Sentences
The children waded in the shallow water.
basic
We had to wade across the stream.
basic
She waded through the mud after the rain.
basic
I spent the whole morning wading through emails.
natural
It took hours to wade through all that legal text.
natural
He waded into the argument without knowing the full story.
natural