Rambling: meaning, definitions and examples

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rambling

 

[ ˈramb(ə)liŋ ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

speech

Talking or writing at length in a confused or inconsequential way.

Synonyms

disjointed, incoherent, rambly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rambling

This word is typically used to describe speech or writing that is lengthy and confusing. It's often used when someone talks or writes without a clear direction.

  • His rambling speech made it hard to understand his main point.
  • The essay was full of rambling thoughts that were difficult to follow.
incoherent

This word is often used to describe speech or writing that is unclear or not logically connected. It can suggest a higher degree of confusion or disorder.

  • After the accident, his speech was incoherent, making it hard to understand him.
  • The letter was so incoherent that nobody could figure out what the writer meant.
disjointed

This word is used to describe something that is not connected in a coherent or orderly manner. It can refer to ideas, speech, or writing that lacks a logical sequence.

  • Her disjointed sentences made it difficult to grasp what she was trying to convey.
  • The report was disjointed and hard to follow.
rambly

A less formal or colloquial variation of 'rambling,' this word can be used in casual conversations to describe someone who talks for a long time without much focus.

  • She tends to get a bit rambly when she's nervous.
  • His story was too rambly to keep my attention.

Examples of usage

  • I couldn't follow his rambling speech at all.
  • She went on a rambling explanation that left us all confused.
Context #2 | Noun

walking

A long walk, especially in the countryside.

Synonyms

hike, stroll, wander.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rambling

Used for long walks, often in the countryside, usually without a specific destination. Rambling is generally leisurely and can involve exploring natural surroundings.

  • We went rambling in the hills last weekend
  • He spends his weekends rambling through the forests
stroll

Implies a leisurely and relaxed walk, usually in an urban setting like a park or neighborhood. It conveys a sense of casualness and unhurried pace.

  • They went for a stroll in the park after dinner
  • I enjoy a morning stroll along the beach
hike

Refers to a long and vigorous walk, typically on trails or paths in the countryside or mountains. It often implies a more physically demanding activity compared to strolling or wandering.

  • We plan to hike up the mountain tomorrow
  • The hike through the national park was challenging but rewarding
wander

Describes walking aimlessly or casually, without a specific direction or purpose. It can have a positive or neutral connotation but may sometimes imply a lack of focus.

  • She likes to wander through the old parts of the city
  • He spent the afternoon wandering around the market

Examples of usage

  • We went for a rambling in the mountains.
  • The rambling took us through fields and forests.

Translations

Translations of the word "rambling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 divagação

🇮🇳 भटकाव

🇩🇪 abschweifend

🇮🇩 mengoceh

🇺🇦 блукання

🇵🇱 gadanie

🇯🇵 放浪 (ほうろう)

🇫🇷 divagation

🇪🇸 divagación

🇹🇷 saçmalama

🇰🇷 횡설수설

🇸🇦 هذيان

🇨🇿 bloudění

🇸🇰 blúdenie

🇨🇳 漫步 (mànbù)

🇸🇮 taverenje

🇮🇸 ráfandi

🇰🇿 адасу

🇬🇪 ხეტიალი

🇦🇿 sərgərdanlıq

🇲🇽 divagación

Etymology

The word 'rambling' originated from the verb 'ramble', which came from Middle English 'ramblen', of unknown origin. The sense of 'walking in the countryside' appeared in the mid 17th century, while the sense of 'speaking or writing at length in a confused or inconsequential way' emerged in the late 18th century.

See also: rambler, ramblers, rambly.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,374, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.