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peregrinate
/ˈpɛrɪɡreɪt/
What does "peregrinate" mean in English?
travel or wander from place to placeAfter retiring, she decided to spend her years peregrinating across Europe.
She chose to travel extensively across Europe during her retirement.
How to use "peregrinate" correctly: definitions and examples in English?
literary
To travel or journey from place to place, especially on foot or over a long period.
The medieval pilgrims peregrinated from village to village seeking spiritual enlightenment.
The pilgrims traveled from village to village to find spiritual enlightenment.
Often implies a sense of purpose or exploration, though not necessarily religious. Less common in everyday speech.
Pro Tip
Avoid overuse
Peregrinate is rarely used in modern English. Opt for 'travel,' 'wander,' or 'journey' unless you're aiming for a formal or literary tone.
Gold Rule
Context matters
Use 'peregrinate' only in formal writing or historical/religious contexts. It sounds outdated in everyday speech.
Word Origin
From Latin *peregrinari* (to travel abroad), derived from *peregrinus* (foreign, traveling), from *per-* (through) + *ager* (field, land). The word entered English in the late 16th century via ecclesiastical Latin.
Usage Notes
Peregrinate is a formal and somewhat archaic term, often used in literary or historical contexts. It is not commonly used in casual conversation. The noun form *peregrination* (a journey, especially a long or meandering one) is more frequently encountered.
Word Breakdown
per-
through
prefix-egr-
field, land
root-ate
verb-forming suffix
suffixEnglish Dictionary