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philanderer

noun

/fɪˈland(ə)rə/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of philanderer

A person who engages in casual sexual relationships or affairs, often without emotional commitment.
"He was a notorious philanderer who left a trail of broken hearts behind him."

Detailed meaning of philanderer

The term is often used to describe a man who engages in extramarital affairs, but it can also refer to a person of any gender who engages in casual sexual relationships or engages in a pattern of deceitful or unfaithful behavior.

The term is usually used to describe someone who engages in promiscuous behavior, and is often associated with someone who has a reputation of being unfaithful or unfailingly promiscuous. Philanderers are often perceived as not taking their relationships or commitments seriously, and as being focused primarily on satisfying their own desires or needs, rather than being concerned about the feelings or well-being of their partners.

The term can also be seen as negative as it implies a lack of commitment, trust and loyalty in relationships.

Example sentences containing philanderer

1. He earned a reputation as a notorious philanderer, constantly pursuing romantic flings.
2. The tabloids exposed the celebrity's secret life as a philanderer, causing a public scandal.
3. She ended her relationship with him when she discovered he was a philanderer, unable to commit.
4. The novel depicted the protagonist as a charming philanderer, navigating multiple love affairs.
5. His friends warned her about his tendencies as a philanderer, advising her to be cautious.
6. The philanderer's behavior caused heartbreak and mistrust among his past partners.

History and etymology of philanderer

The noun 'philanderer' has its etymological roots in Greek and Latin. It is derived from the Greek word 'philandros,' which is formed from 'philos,' meaning 'loving' or 'fond of,' and 'anēr,' meaning 'man.' In essence, 'philanderer' originally conveyed the idea of a man who is fond of or loves women. This Greek term was later adopted into Latin as 'philandrus' with a similar meaning. However, over time, the term evolved to describe a person, typically a man, who engages in casual sexual relationships or affairs, often without emotional commitment or fidelity. Thus, the etymology of 'philanderer' reflects its historical association with the notion of a man who is fond of romantic or sexual encounters with women, which has evolved into its modern connotation of someone who engages in casual and often insincere romantic pursuits.

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Further usage examples of philanderer

1. Despite his promises of fidelity, he couldn't resist his impulses as a philanderer.
2. The philanderer's actions led to the downfall of his professional and personal life.
3. The philanderer's infidelity left a trail of broken hearts and shattered trust.
4. She refused to be involved with a known philanderer, valuing her own emotional well-being.
5. The philanderer's charm and charisma attracted many admirers, but they soon discovered his true nature.
6. The philanderer's behavior exhibited a lack of respect for the feelings and commitments of others.
7. His philandering ways caused tension and conflict within his social circle.
8. The philanderer's patterns of deceit and betrayal became apparent over time.
9. The philanderer's insincere apologies no longer held any weight with those he had hurt.
10. She vowed to protect herself from falling for another philanderer's manipulations.
11. The philanderer's reputation preceded him, making it difficult to form genuine connections.
12. The philanderer's actions were driven by a desire for novelty and conquest, rather than emotional depth.
13. She chose to distance herself from the philanderer, recognizing her worth and seeking healthier relationships.
14. The philanderer's selfishness prevented him from experiencing true intimacy and lasting love.