What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vagrant
Example
The city has a problem with vagrants sleeping in public parks. [vagrant: noun]
Example
He was arrested for vagrancy after being caught sleeping on a park bench. [vagrancy: noun]
wanderer
Example
She was a wanderer at heart, always eager to explore new lands. [wanderer: noun]
Example
The couple spent their retirement years as wandering nomads, traveling the world in an RV. [wandering: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wanderer is more commonly used than vagrant in everyday language. Wanderer is often used to describe someone who enjoys traveling or exploring new places, while vagrant is more associated with homelessness and begging.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vagrant and wanderer?
Both vagrant and wanderer are relatively formal words and may not be commonly used in casual conversation. However, wanderer may be more versatile and can be used in various contexts, including literature and poetry.