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Meander Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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meander

[mษชหˆรฆndษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

river

To follow a winding course. To move aimlessly or casually without a definite direction. To wander slowly and aimlessly.

Synonyms

drift, ramble, roam, wander.

Examples of usage

  • The river meanders through the valley.
  • We meandered through the park, enjoying the scenery.
  • The conversation meandered from topic to topic.
Context #2 | Noun

conversation

A winding curve or bend of a river or road. A circuitous journey or excursion. A leisurely walk or stroll.

Synonyms

bend, curve, turn, twist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
meander

Used to describe a winding or indirect path, often for rivers or roads, and sometimes to describe aimless wandering.

  • The river meanders through the lush countryside.
  • We spent the afternoon meandering through the city's narrow streets.
curve

Used to describe a smooth, continuous deviation from a straight path. Commonly used for roads, tracks, and graphs.

  • The highway has a long curve as it approaches the city.
  • He adjusted the graph to show a smooth upward curve.
bend

Used to describe a sudden, noticeable change in direction, often for physical objects like roads, rivers, or limbs.

  • The car slowed down as it approached the sharp bend in the road.
  • The river takes a slight bend to the left here.
twist

Used to describe an abrupt or complex change in direction, often involving rotation or spiraling. Can also refer to unexpected changes in plots or situations.

  • The path twisted and turned through the dense forest.
  • The plot of the novel takes several surprising twists.
turn

Used to describe a change in direction, which can be for physical entities like vehicles and people or metaphorically to describe changes in conversations or events.

  • Take the next left turn after the traffic light.
  • The conversation took an unexpected turn when he mentioned his new job.

Examples of usage

  • The meander of the river created a picturesque view.
  • We took a meander along the beach, enjoying the sunset.
  • The road's meander through the mountains was breathtaking.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, it is often used to describe a narrative that takes unexpected, circuitous paths, similar to a story that wanders through different themes or ideas.
  • Writers like Virginia Woolf used meandering prose to reflect the complexities of human thoughts and emotions.

Nature

  • Many rivers meander as a means of slowing down their flow, which helps to reduce erosion and maintain water quality.
  • The meandering of rivers can create rich, diverse ecosystems along their banks, supporting various wildlife.

Psychology

  • Meandering thoughts can be a sign of creativity; allowing the mind to wander often leads to innovative ideas.
  • Daydreaming, where thoughts drift away from a central focus, is akin to a mental meander, promoting relaxation and problem-solving.

Art

  • Artists may use meandering lines in their work to evoke feelings of fluidity and movement, allowing the viewerโ€™s eye to travel across the canvas.
  • The technique of meandering brush strokes in painting can convey emotion and depth, capturing the viewer's engagement.

Origin of 'meander'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the name of the Meander River in Turkey, known for its winding, twisty shape.
  • It entered the English language in the late 16th century, originally referring to the river's curvy flow.

The word 'meander' originated from the ancient Greek word 'maiandros', which refers to the Maeander River in Asia Minor known for its winding course. Over time, the word evolved to represent the concept of following a winding path or course.

See also: meandering, meanderingly.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,178, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.