peripatetic
peh-ri-puh-TET-ik
/ˌpɛrɪpəˈtɛtɪk/
Traveling from place to place, in particular working or based in various places for relatively short periods.
Often implies walking or a scholarly, wandering nature.
The story behind the word. From the Greek 'peripatetikos', meaning 'walking about'. It famously refers to Aristotle’s school of philosophy, because he supposedly taught his students while walking around the colonnades of the Lyceum.
Word relationships
- itinerant: Itinerant is more common for labor; peripatetic often has a more intellectual or leisurely connotation.
- stationary: Not moving, or not intended to be moved.
Commonly confused with
- peripheral: Peripheral means on the edge; peripatetic means moving around.
Word family
- peripateticism (noun): The practice of walking about or traveling.
Collocations
- peripatetic teacher
- peripatetic lifestyle
- peripatetic habits
Example sentences
- "Her peripatetic career as a consultant meant she never spent more than a month in the same city." Describing a career.
- "The peripatetic philosophers of ancient Greece were known for teaching while walking." Historical reference.
Memory hook
Think of a 'perimeter' that you 'pat' (walk) around. Walking and talking.
When not to use
Too obscure for casual conversation; use 'traveling' or 'mobile' instead.
Fun facts
- Aristotle's followers were called 'Peripatetics' because of their habit of walking while debating.
Explore more words
transient, sojourn, transience, transitory, impermanent, expatriate
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