Peregrinate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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peregrinate

[หˆpษ›rษ™ษกrษชneษชt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

traveling extensively

To peregrinate means to travel or wander around from place to place, often in a leisurely way. The term is derived from the Latin word 'peregrinari', which means 'to travel abroad' or 'to wander'. It implies a sense of exploration and adventure, typically involving lengthy trips that may be both purposeful and aimless. This word is often used in literary contexts to evoke images of exploration and discovery.

Synonyms

explore, journey, roam, travel, wander.

Examples of usage

  • They decided to peregrinate through Europe during their summer break.
  • The author often writes about his peregrinations across the globe.
  • After retiring, she chose to peregrinate to various countries, experiencing different cultures.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

History

  • In medieval times, many people peregrinated to holy sites as acts of faith or penance.
  • Famous explorers like Marco Polo and Christopher Columbus epitomized the concept of peregrination through their extensive travels.
  • The 'Grand Tour' in the 18th century involved wealthy European young adults peregrinating to culturally rich places for education.

Literature

  • Peregrination is a common theme in literature, symbolizing personal growth and discovery, as seen in works by authors like John Bunyan.
  • The word captures the essence of travel stories, where characters often learn valuable life lessons through their journeys.
  • Many novels use a protagonist's peregrination to explore broader themes of identity and belonging.

Cultural Significance

  • Peregrination is celebrated in many cultures, often linked to spiritual quests, such as the Hajj pilgrimage in Islam or the Camino de Santiago in Christianity.
  • In modern contexts, itโ€™s common to see people embark on 'gap year' travels, which echo historical forms of peregrination for education and self-discovery.
  • Cultural festivals often revolve around themes of travel, celebrating the movement of people and ideas across borders.

Psychology

  • Traveling, or peregrinating, can have mental health benefits, providing a sense of adventure and reducing stress through new experiences.
  • Studies show that exposure to different cultures during peregrination can foster empathy and broaden perspectives.
  • For many, the act of traveling represents a search for meaning or purpose, linking to psychological theories of self-actualization.

Origin of 'peregrinate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'peregrinate' comes from the Latin word 'peregrinari,' meaning 'to travel abroad' or 'to wander.'
  • It shares roots with the word 'pilgrim,' which also denotes traveling, particularly on a journey with a purpose.
  • The prefix 'pere-' indicates moving through or away, emphasizing a long journey.

The word 'peregrinate' originates from the Latin term 'peregrinari', which translates as 'to travel abroad' or 'to wander'. This term itself is derived from 'peregrinus', meaning 'foreigner' or 'traveler'. The concept has roots in the activity of people journeying away from their familiar surroundings, often in search of adventure or discovery. The use of 'peregrinate' in the English language dates back to the late 19th century, when it began to appear in literary texts to describe extensive and sometimes aimless traveling. The word carries a certain romantic and adventurous connotation, often associated with a journey that is transformative or enlightening in nature. Over time, 'peregrinate' has maintained its connection to the idea of exploration, appealing to those with a wanderlust spirit.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,788, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.