What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
drifter
Example
He was a drifter, never staying in one place for too long. [drifter: noun]
Example
She spent her twenties drifting from one job to another, never finding her true calling. [drifting: gerund or present participle]
wanderer
Example
The wanderer walked through the forest, enjoying the scenery. [wanderer: noun]
Example
She loved to wander around the city, discovering new neighborhoods and hidden gems. [wandering: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wanderer is more commonly used than drifter in everyday language. Wanderer has a more positive connotation and can be used to describe a variety of travel experiences, while drifter is less common and may have negative connotations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between drifter and wanderer?
Both drifter and wanderer are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.