What does peripatetic mean?
Peripatetic describes a person, life, or activity characterized by movement from place to place rather than remaining in one fixed location. It is especially associated with scholars and philosophers whose work takes them across different places, though it can apply to any unusually mobile lifestyle. The word has a learned, slightly old-fashioned tone and is often more evocative than the plainer words travelling or itinerant. Historically, it referred to the Peripatetics, followers of Aristotle, who were named for Aristotle's supposed habit of walking while teaching. Today, the term can suggest intellectual restlessness, adaptability, and a life shaped by continual movement rather than by settling permanently in one place.
Moving or travelling from place to place; itinerant.
"The organisation's peripatetic staff work from offices in several different cities."
Often used of people, lifestyles, work, or activities; it can carry a literary or philosophical flavour.
A person who travels or wanders from place to place, especially a philosopher associated with Aristotle's school.
"The itinerant philosopher spent several years as a peripatetic in the eastern Mediterranean."
The historical sense refers to a member of Aristotle's school. In modern general use, the noun denotes someone whose life involves frequent movement.
The plural is used for people who move from place to place and, in the historical sense, for members or followers of Aristotle's school.
"The ancient peripatetics developed several important traditions of philosophical inquiry."
The word preserves an image from ancient philosophy: Aristotle's followers were called Peripatetics because their teacher was said to walk while he lectured.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Related word forms
How peripatetic is actually used
In modern use, peripatetic is often more literary and characterful than simply travelling or itinerant. The noun can refer broadly to someone who moves from place to place, but it is especially common in discussions of philosophy and the historical Peripatetic school.
Easily confused with peripatetic
Peripatetic means travelling or wandering from place to place, whereas pathetic means causing or evoking pity or contempt.