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Peddled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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peddled

[ˈpɛd.əl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

selling goods

To peddle means to sell goods, particularly in small quantities and often by going from place to place. It can refer to the act of selling illicit items or circulating ideas as well.

Synonyms

hawk, sell, trade, vend.

Examples of usage

  • He peddled newspapers on the street corner.
  • She has been peddling homemade crafts at the local market.
  • The vendor peddled his wares to tourists.
  • They peddled their new marketing strategy to potential clients.
Context #2 | Verb

promoting ideas

Peddling can also refer to promoting or spreading ideas or beliefs, often with an implication of being persistent or aggressive in doing so.

Synonyms

advocate, disseminate, promote, propagate.

Examples of usage

  • He peddled his political views during the campaign.
  • The organization was accused of peddling misinformation.
  • They peddled their vision of a sustainable future.
  • Some authors peddled their theories in academic circles.

Translations

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

Origin of 'peddled'

The word 'peddle' originates from Middle English 'pedler' or 'peddler', which referred to a person who sells small goods. This term can be traced back to the Old French 'pedlere' and the Medieval Latin 'peddlerius', which also means a seller or a dealer. The root of the word is believed to be related to 'peddle' from the Germanic 'pedd' meaning 'to bring forth or to carry'. Over the centuries, the connotation of the word has evolved, with 'peddler' often associated with itinerant vendors selling wares, while 'peddle' has taken on a broader sense, encompassing the selling of ideas and practices, sometimes with a negative connotation when referring to deceitful or manipulative marketing techniques.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,658 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.