philander: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Literary/Formal
Quick answer
What does “philander” mean?
To engage in casual sexual relationships, especially by a man with multiple women, without serious commitment.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To engage in casual sexual relationships, especially by a man with multiple women, without serious commitment.
To flirt or engage in romantic dalliances; historically, also meant to act as a lover or woo someone.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The verb is slightly more literary in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally pejorative in both dialects, implying irresponsible, unserious romantic behavior.
Frequency
Low frequency in both; slightly more likely in written, narrative contexts (novels, journalism) than everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “philander” in a Sentence
[Subject] philanders[Subject] philanders with [object][Subject] is philanderingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “philander” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was known to philander with secretaries from the typing pool.
- The tabloids claimed the MP had been philandering for years.
American English
- The celebrity was accused of philandering with multiple co-stars.
- He promised to stop philandering after his marriage nearly ended.
adverb
British English
- N/A. No standard adverb form ('philanderingly' is non-standard/rare).
American English
- N/A. No standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- N/A. The adjective form is 'philandering' (e.g., a philandering politician).
American English
- N/A. The adjective form is 'philandering' (e.g., his philandering behavior).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in discussions of public figures' scandals affecting corporate image.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, gender studies, or historical analyses of relationships.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual talk. Might be used judgmentally in gossip.
Technical
Not applicable in technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “philander”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “philander”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “philander”
- Using it as a noun to mean 'a lover' (the noun is 'philanderer').
- Confusing it with 'philanthropist' (a charitable person).
- Using it in a positive or neutral sense.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally and most commonly used for men. While linguistically possible for women, it is rare. Terms like 'philanderess' are obsolete.
'Flirt' is lighter, often without implication of sexual activity. 'Philander' implies a pattern of brief sexual liaisons and carries a stronger moral judgment.
No, it's a low-frequency, literary word. In everyday speech, people use phrases like 'sleep around', 'cheat', or 'be unfaithful'.
'Philanderer' is the noun form meaning 'a person, typically a man, who philanders'.
To engage in casual sexual relationships, especially by a man with multiple women, without serious commitment.
Philander is usually literary/formal in register.
Philander: in British English it is pronounced /fɪˈlændə/, and in American English it is pronounced /fɪˈlændər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A philandering husband”
- “A known philanderer”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'PHIL' (loving) + 'ANDER' (sounds like 'ander' as in 'meander' or wander aimlessly) -> someone who wanders aimlessly from one love to another.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOVE/ROMANCE IS A GAME (to philander is to play the game insincerely).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'to philander'?