mindmap root((漫步)) wander implies an absence of or an indifference to a fixed course: found her ~ing about the square. stray carries a stronger suggestion of a deviation from a fixed or proper course and may connote a being lost: ~ed into the underbrush. roam suggests a wandering about freely and often far afield and often connotes enjoyment: liked to ~ through the woods. ramble stresses carelessness and indifference to one's course or objective and suggests a straying beyond bounds or inattention to guiding details: the speaker ~d on without ever coming to the point. rove suggests vigorous and sometimes purposeful roaming: armed brigands ~d through the countryside. range adds to rove an emphasis on the extent of territory covered and is often used when literal wandering is not implied: a lecture that ~d over much of both Eastern and Western philosophy. traipse implies an erratic if purposeful and vigorous course: ~d all over town looking for the right dress. meander implies a winding or intricate course suggestive of aimless or listless wandering: the river ~s for miles through rich farmland.