Definition

Adverb: In a manner that follows a winding, indirect, or circuitous course; moving or proceeding with many turns and changes of direction.

Usage

This adverb describes the way an action is performed, specifically indicating that the action involves winding, twisting, or not following a straight path. It is most commonly used to describe physical movement or the course of something like a river, road, or conversation.

Examples

• The small stream flowed meanderingly through the forest, creating peaceful pools along its banks.
• He spoke meanderingly, jumping from one topic to another without a clear point.
• The path led meanderingly up the hillside, offering new views with every turn.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: Can describe non-physical things that lack a direct or logical progression.
  • The novel's plot develops meanderingly, full of digressions and side stories.
• Descriptive Adverb: Often used in descriptive writing to create a vivid image of a leisurely, indirect, or intricate path.

Variants and Related Words

• Meander (verb): To follow a winding course.
  • The trail meanders along the coastline.
• Meandering (adjective): Having a winding course.
  • We took a meandering walk through the old town.
• Meander (noun): A winding curve or bend, often of a river.
  • The meanders of the river are clearly visible from the air.

Synonyms

• Windingly: In a twisting or spiral manner.
• Circuitously: In a roundabout or indirect way.
• Serpentinely: In a snake-like, twisting fashion.
• Tortuously: With many twists and turns; complicated.

Antonyms

• Directly: In a straight line or manner.
• Straightly: In a direct and undeviating line.
• Linearly: In a sequential, straight-line fashion.

Adverb

1. in a meandering manner
   • the river ran meanderingly through the valley