saunter

== English == === Etymology === Etymology unclear. Attested in the sense “to stroll” from the 1660s; noun sense “a stroll” attested 1828. Likely from earlier term meaning “to muse”, late 15th century, from late Middle English santren, of unknown origin. Competing theories exist: From Anglo-Norman sauntrer (mid 14th century), from Middle French s'aventurer (“to take risks”); however, this is considered unlikely by the OED. Compare Middle English aunter (“adventure”). Of Germanic origin, with proposed cognates including German schlendern, Dutch slenteren, Danish slentre, Swedish släntra, and Icelandic slentur, all meaning “to stroll”. From Old French sentier (“path”). In this case, santren would reflect earlier *sa(u)nteren, *senteren /sa(u̯)nˈteːrən/, /sɛnˈteːrən/, with Late Middle English stress shift and concomitant vowel reduction. Various fanciful folk etymologies have also been given. === Pronunciation === (General American) IPA(key): /ˈsɔntɚ/ (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈsɔːntə/ (cot–caught merger) IPA(key): /ˈsɑntɚ/ Rhymes: -ɔːntə(ɹ) === Verb === saunter (third-person singular simple present saunters, present participle sauntering, simple past and past participle sauntered) (intransitive) To stroll, or walk at a leisurely pace. Synonyms: amble, stroll, ramble, wander 1858-1880, David Masson, The Life Of John Milton: 1649-1654 One could lie under elm trees in a lawn, or saunter in meadows by the side of a stream. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Noun === saunter (plural saunters) A leisurely walk or stroll. A leisurely, easy pace. (obsolete) A place for sauntering or strolling. ==== Translations ==== === References === === Anagrams === Transue, aunters, natuers, natures, sea turn, seruant, tea urns, tea-urns, unrates