drift

/dɹˈɪft/

/ˈdɹɪft/

[verb] [noun]

to drift

[VERB]

MAIN VERB

to slowly move in the air or on water

synonyms : be adrift

blow

float

move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

synonyms : cast

wander from a direct course or at random

synonyms : err

stray

be piled up in banks or heaps by the force of wind or a current

be subject to fluctuation

drive slowly and far afield for grazing

move in an unhurried fashion

cause to be carried by a current

live unhurriedly, irresponsibly, or freely

synonyms : freewheel

vary or move from a fixed point or course

Drift

[NOUN]

a force that moves something along

synonyms : impetus

impulsion

the gradual departure from an intended course due to external influences (as a ship or plane)

a horizontal (or nearly horizontal) passageway in a mine

synonyms : gallery

heading

the pervading meaning or tenor

synonyms : purport

a general tendency to change (as of opinion)

synonyms : movement

trend

a large mass of material that is heaped up by the wind or by water currents

a process of linguistic change over a period of time

Examples

1. The conversation drifted from politics to sports.

2. The boat slowly drifted along the river, carried by the gentle current.

3. I didn't understand every word but I got the drift.

4. He used to be an important member of the team, but he's gradually drifted out of the picture.

Nearby words