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peripatetic

/ˈpɛrəpəˌtɛdɪk/
IPA guide

Other forms: peripatetics; peripatetically

If you're reading this on a treadmill or while taking a walk, you may know about the peripatetic, or walking, philosopher Aristotle, who taught while strolling with his students. Or, maybe you just like being a peripatetic, a walking wanderer.

Peri- is the Greek word for "around," and peripatetic is an adjective that describes someone who likes to walk or travel around. Peripatetic is also a noun for a person who travels from one place to another or moves around a lot. If you walk in a circle, you are peripatetic, or walking, but you aren’t a peripatetic, or wanderer, unless you actually go somewhere.

Definitions of peripatetic
  1. adjective
    traveling especially on foot
    peripatetic country preachers”
    synonyms: wayfaring
    unsettled
    not settled or established
  2. noun
    a person who walks from place to place
    see moresee less
    type of:
    footer, pedestrian, walker
    a person who travels by foot
  3. adjective
    of or relating to Aristotle or his philosophy
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