Sojourner Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sojourner
[ˈsoʊdʒɜːrnər ]
Definition
temporary stay
A sojourner is a person who temporarily resides in a place. This term is often used in the context of travel or living away from one's permanent home for a short time, whether for work, study, or leisure.
Synonyms
guest, temporarily resident, traveler, visitor.
Examples of usage
- During his time as a sojourner in Paris, he wrote several novels.
- As a sojourner, she was welcomed by the local community.
- The sojourner's experiences enriched her understanding of different cultures.
Translations
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Origin of 'sojourner'
The word 'sojourner' originates from Middle English 'sojourner,' which comes from the Old French 'sejorner' and ultimately from the Latin 'subdiurnare.' In Latin, 'sub' means 'under' or 'below,' and 'diurnus' means 'daily' or 'day.' Thus, it originally referred to someone who spends a day or so in a place. The term has evolved to denote someone who resides temporarily, regardless of the duration. It is famously associated with the Sojourner Truth, an African-American abolitionist and women's rights activist, whose name reflects her role as a traveler in pursuit of freedom and equality.