peripatetic
UK[ˌperɪpəˈtetɪk]US[ˌperəpəˈtetɪk]
adj
traveling from place to place, especially working in different places for short periods
n
a person who travels from place to place
Morpheme Breakdown
peri
pate
tic
peri
around
pate
walk
tic
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'peripatetic' originates from the greek 'peripatētikos', meaning "given to walking about". this is derived from 'peripatein', a compound of 'peri-' (around) and 'patein' (to walk). the term was famously associated with aristotle and his followers, who were said to conduct philosophical discussions while walking in the lyceum of ancient athens. over time, the literal sense of "walking about" evolved into the modern abstract meaning, describing anyone whose work or life involves frequent travel from place to place.
Analysis
Structure: peri (around) + pate (walk) + tic (adjective suffix)
peri: from greek, meaning "around, about". serves as a prefix indicating surrounding or encircling.
pate: from greek 'patos' (trodden) or 'patein' (to walk). serves as the core root meaning to walk or tread.
tic: from latin '-ticus' and greek '-tikos', an adjective-forming suffix meaning "pertaining to".
Examples
she led a peripatetic life as a freelance journalist, constantly moving between cities.
the peripatetic nature of his sales job meant he was rarely in the office.
a band of peripatetic musicians performed at various street festivals across europe.