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meander

/miˈændər/
verb★Intermediate
◆ What It Really Means
To move or proceed in a leisurely, indirect, or aimless manner.
¶ Literal Meaning
To follow a winding or circuitous path.
Literal Breakdown
meandera winding or twisting course
◇ Mental Image
A river or path that curves gently, suggesting a lack of urgency or direction.
◈ When to Use
Describing a person's relaxed walk through a park or a river's winding path through a landscape.
◉ Cultural Note
Often used in literature and poetry to evoke a sense of calm or aimlessness.
formal

To follow a winding or indirect course; to wander aimlessly or leisurely.

The river meanders through the valley, creating scenic bends.

The river winds through the valley, creating scenic bends.

She meandered through the market, browsing without a clear destination.

She wandered through the market, browsing without a clear destination.

💡

Often used to describe natural features like rivers or paths, or human behavior that is relaxed and unhurried.

Collocations

meander throughto move slowly and casually through a placemeander alongto follow a winding path

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

meander through lifephrase
to live without a clear plan or purpose

💡Pro Tip

Literal vs. Figurative Use

Remember that 'meander' can describe both physical winding paths and abstract, aimless movement.

⚡Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

While 'meander' is poetic, overusing it for simple wandering may sound overly formal.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'meandren,' from Latin 'maandros,' from Greek 'maiandros,' meaning 'winding, winding river.'

📝Usage Notes

Can be used both literally (for rivers or paths) and figuratively (for people or ideas that move without a clear direction).

Word Breakdown

meander
to wind or wander
root
English Dictionary

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