Peripatetic
/ˌpɛrəpəˈtɛtɪk/
adjectivenounC2
Definition
Peripatetic means moving around a lot, usually for work or activity, rather than staying in one place. It often describes people like teachers, workers, or speakers who travel from one location to another. The word can also be used as a noun for such a person.
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See It in Action
Moving from place to place for work or activity
- •The peripatetic teacher visits several schools each week.
- •Many peripatetic musicians perform in different cities regularly.
- •She leads a peripatetic lifestyle, working in many countries.
A person who travels to different places, especially for work
- •The peripatetic consultant helps companies in various locations.
- •As a peripatetic lecturer, he teaches at universities around the country.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "peripatetic" like "travel" or "move around," but with a regular, work-related purpose, not just a trip or holiday
- ✓Picture a teacher walking between different schools every day instead of working in one school
- ✓It's the feeling of always being on the go, never staying long in one place, like a traveler who works while moving
- ✓Sounds like "peri-PA-tet-ic" → Imagine "peri" as "around" and "patetic" like "pat" or "step," so stepping around many places
- ✓Think of Aristotle’s followers who walked while they talked—peripatetic means walking and moving while teaching
- ✓NOT like "tourist" (travels for fun), peripatetic is usually for work or duty
- ✓NOT like "settled" or "stationary" (stays in one place), peripatetic means moving often
- ✓NOT like "nomad" (no fixed home by culture), peripatetic is often for a job or specific reason to move
Try Other Words
- •Itinerant: moving from place to place, especially for work (Use when emphasizing temporary work in different locations)
- •Nomadic: living by moving frequently without a fixed home (Use when emphasizing lifestyle rather than work)
- •Roving: moving around without a fixed place (Use in informal contexts about wandering or moving freely)
- •Mobile: able to move easily or often (Use when focusing on ability to move rather than continuous movement)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "peri-" (around) + Greek root related to "pathein" or "patetikos" meaning walking or traveling
- •Etymology: From Greek "peripatētikos," meaning "given to walking about," related to Aristotle’s teaching style
- •Historical development: Originally described Aristotle’s followers who taught while walking; later used for people who travel for work
- •Modern usage: Used to describe people who move regularly for their job or activity, especially teachers, workers, or speakers
Reflect & Connect
•How might a peripatetic lifestyle affect a person's feeling of home and belonging?
•Can being peripatetic be both positive and negative? In what ways?
Fill in the blanks
1.A peripatetic teacher usually ___ between different schools rather than staying in one place.
2.People with a peripatetic job often feel ___ because they do not have a fixed workplace.
3.Unlike a tourist, a peripatetic worker moves ___ for work, not for vacation.
4.The consultant’s peripatetic schedule means he must ___ to many cities each month.
5.Peripatetic musicians often perform ___ at different venues instead of having one regular stage.
6.Someone who is peripatetic is NOT someone who ___ in one location for a long time.
7.The word peripatetic comes from Aristotle’s followers who ___ while they taught.