Philander Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’”
Add to dictionary

philander

[fษชหˆlรฆndษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

romantic relationships

To philander means to engage in love affairs frivolously or casually without serious intentions. It often implies a lack of commitment and responsibility towards romantic partners.

Synonyms

flirt, fool around, play around, womanize.

Examples of usage

  • He was known to philander during his trips abroad.
  • She found out that he had a tendency to philander, which hurt her deeply.
  • Many men philander and then act surprised when their partners leave.
  • Philandering can lead to broken hearts and mistrust in relationships.

Translations

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

Origin of 'philander'

The word 'philander' comes from the Greek word 'philandros', which is a combination of 'philos', meaning 'loving', and 'aner', meaning 'man'. Originally, it was used to describe a man who loves women. Over time, the meaning evolved into a more negative connotation, reflecting a man who is unfaithful or who engages in casual sexual relationships without commitment. The term entered English usage in the 19th century and has since been used primarily in the context of infidelity or fickle romantic behavior. The concept of philandering has cultural implications and is often associated with societal norms regarding masculinity and fidelity.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,746, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.