Meandering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฟ
meandering
[mษชหรฆndษrษชล ]
Definitions
in nature
to follow a winding and turning course
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| meandering |
Often used to describe a winding path, road, or stream that does not follow a straight course. It can also describe someone speaking or thinking in a way that wanders from the main point.
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| wind |
Commonly used to describe something that follows a course full of bends and turns. Often used for roads and rivers, it highlights the serpentine motion.
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| twist |
Ideal for describing something that bends or contorts sharply and can also be used figuratively for unexpected changes or complications.
|
| turn |
Best used to indicate a change in direction or position. It can be literal, as in changing direction, or figurative, as in changing topics in conversation.
|
Examples of usage
- The river meandered through the valley.
- The hiking trail meandered through the forest.
in conversation
to talk or write in a wandering or aimless manner
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| meandering |
Used to describe a winding or indirect path, either physically or in speech or thought. It suggests a casual, relaxed movement without a specific destination.
|
| ramble |
Used to describe speaking or writing at length in a confused or disorganized way. It often has a negative connotation, implying the speaker is going on without focus or purpose.
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| digress |
Used when someone temporarily moves away from the main topic of discussion or writing. Often formal in tone.
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| wander |
Used to describe moving or traveling without a fixed course, often casually or aimlessly. It can also describe someoneโs thoughts drifting away from the main subject.
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Examples of usage
- She meandered from one topic to another during the meeting.
- His speech meandered, making it hard to follow his point.
geography
a looplike bend in the course of a river or road
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| meandering |
When describing something that winds or twists without a specific direction, often used for rivers, roads, or paths. It gives a sense of a leisurely, winding motion.
|
| loop |
Used when the path, road, or any other line comes back upon itself, forming a circular or nearly circular shape. It often implies a returning to a starting point or encompassing something.
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| bend |
Used when there is a specific change in direction, often referring to roads, rivers, or objects. It implies a clear and often sharp turn.
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| curve |
Appropriate for describing a smooth, continuous, and gradual change in direction. It can be used for roads, design elements, and even body shapes.
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Examples of usage
- The map showed several meanders along the river.
- The road took a meander through the hills.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Nature
- Meandering rivers are often slower-moving and create unique ecosystems along their banks.
- The bends and turns in a meandering river help distribute sediments and nutrients, fostering biodiversity in surrounding areas.
Literature
- Authors sometimes describe characters as meandering to show their unpredictability or lack of direction.
- In storytelling, a meandering plot can create suspense and allow for deeper character exploration.
Psychology
- Meandering thoughts are seen in daydreaming, where the mind wanders to different ideas instead of focusing on one.
- Research suggests that allowing for mental meandering can boost creativity and problem-solving skills.
Art
- In art, meandering lines can convey movement and fluidity, often seen in abstract works.
- The technique of meandering is used in calligraphy, where letters flow in a curvy style to create elegance.
Origin of 'meandering'
Main points about word origin
- Derived from the word 'Meander', a river in Turkey known for its twisty path.
- The term has existed in the English language since the late 1700s, originally referring to the river's winding nature.
The word 'meander' originates from the Greek myth of the Meander River, known for its winding and twisting course. The term was later used in geography to describe the looping bends in rivers and roads. Over time, 'meander' evolved to also represent the act of wandering aimlessly or moving in a winding path. Today, it is commonly used to depict both physical and metaphorical journeys that involve twists and turns.
See also: meander, meanderingly.