adventurer
/ədˈvɛntʃərər/
noun
Origin
Latin
advenire — to arrive, come to pass, reach
Overview
Meaning Now
- A person who enjoys or seeks out adventures, typically characterized by bold or daring undertakings.
- A person who seeks wealth, power, or social advancement through risky or unscrupulous schemes.
Literal older meaning
one who arrives at or encounters [the future/fate]
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
aventure
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The term emerged during a period of exploration where 'adventures' were often associated with commercial ventures or hazardous sea voyages. By the 17th century, it acquired a pejorative nuance referring to 'soldiers of fortune' or individuals seeking status through dubious means.
Evolution
- Latin
adventurus
“about to happen; future”
Future participle of advenire.
- Old French
aventure
“chance, occurrence, fortune”
Noun formed from the idea of what happens or arrives.
- Middle English
aventure
“an event, a chance occurrence”
Borrowed from Old French.
- Early Modern English
adventurer
“one who risks or undertakes adventure”
Suffix -er added to signify the agent.
Connections
Word parts
adventur
root
adventure
-er
suffix
one who performs the action
Related across languages
French
aventurier
adventurer
Spanish
aventurero
adventurer
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Related to adventurer
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.