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Roving Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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roving

[ˈrəʊvɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

adjective

Wandering or traveling without a clear destination or purpose.

Synonyms

nomadic, travelling, wandering.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
roving

Describes someone who moves from place to place without a fixed home, often in search of new experiences or work.

  • The circus has a roving lifestyle, never staying in one place for more than a few weeks.
  • He spent his youth roving the country, taking on odd jobs wherever he could find them.
wandering

Implies moving around without a specific destination or purpose, often aimlessly or out of curiosity.

  • He spent the afternoon wandering through the old city, discovering hidden alleyways and charming cafes.
  • Her mind kept wandering during the lecture, thinking about the upcoming weekend.
travelling

Indicates moving from one place to another, usually for a shorter duration, such as for vacation or business.

  • She loves travelling to new countries during her summer holidays.
  • He was travelling on business and had meetings scheduled in three different cities.
nomadic

Refers to people or groups who live a nomad lifestyle, continually moving from place to place, often for reasons like following livestock or searching for resources.

  • Nomadic tribes in the desert move from oasis to oasis to find water.
  • Her family led a nomadic existence, traveling with their herd across the vast plains.

Examples of usage

  • He lived a roving life, never staying in one place for long.
  • The roving salesman traveled from town to town selling his goods.
Context #2 | Noun

textile

A long and narrow bundle of fibers or filaments, especially wool, twisted and drawn out to be spun.

Synonyms

fiber bundle, spinning material.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
roving

Roving is best used when referring to a material made of fibers that are loosely twisted or perhaps not twisted at all. It is common in crafting, particularly in spinning and felting.

  • She bought some wool roving for her new felting project
  • The artist requested roving to create a textured background for her tapestry
fiber bundle

Fiber bundle typically is used in a scientific or technical context, often referring to a collection of fibers grouped together for mechanical or structural purposes.

  • The engineering team tested the strength of the fiber bundle used in the composite material
  • Researchers are studying the properties of various fiber bundles in their lab
spinning material

Spinning material refers to any material that can be used in the process of spinning, which transforms fibers into yarn or thread. It is a broad term often used in textile and craft disciplines.

  • She ordered some new spinning material for her latest weaving project
  • During the workshop, participants were given different types of spinning material to experiment with

Examples of usage

  • She purchased a roving of wool to use for her knitting project.
  • The spinner carefully prepared the roving before spinning it into yarn.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Roving characters often symbolize freedom and adventure, seen in stories like 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.'
  • Henry David Thoreau's 'Walden' reflects on roving as a means of self-discovery in nature.
  • Rovers are common in poetry, often representing wanderlust and the search for meaning.

Pop Culture

  • Roving gangs feature in films and literature, typically portraying a sense of rebellion or exploration.
  • The concept of roving has inspired numerous travel documentaries showcasing cultures around the world.
  • Music genres like folk often celebrate the idea of roving, with lyrics focusing on journeys and exploring life.

Travel and Exploration

  • Roving can refer to nomadic lifestyles, common among indigenous cultures who travel seasonally for resources.
  • Modern-day rovers are often adventurers who explore off-the-beaten-path locations, promoting sustainable travel.
  • In technology, roving drones and robotic explorers survey areas that are difficult for humans to reach.

Psychology

  • Roving can reflect a desire for autonomy, with individuals seeking new experiences as a form of self-actualization.
  • Psychological studies suggest that people who embrace roving behaviors may have higher levels of curiosity and openness.
  • The concept of roving in therapy may also represent escapism, where individuals seek to break free from constraints of daily life.

Origin of 'roving'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'roving' comes from the Middle English term 'roven,' which means 'to wander.'
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Old Norse word 'rofa,' translating to 'to break,' which conveys the idea of breaking away from a place.
  • Roving has been used in English since at least the 14th century to describe aimless wandering.

The word 'roving' originated from Middle English 'roven', which meant 'to shoot an arrow'. Over time, its meaning evolved to include the sense of wandering or traveling without a clear destination. In the textile context, 'roving' refers to the preparation of fibers for spinning. The term has been used in English since the 14th century.

See also: rove.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,749, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.