Word: Drift

Pronunciation

/drɪft/

Definitions

Noun (n)

• The act or result of moving slowly and without direction or purpose, often carried by wind, water, or other external force. Example: “The leaves drifted down from the trees.”
• A gradual change or movement away from an original course, position, or intention; a deviation. Example: “There has been a cultural drift towards individualism.”
• A collection of floating debris or objects that have gathered together due to natural forces. Example: “A huge drift of icebergs was spotted in the Arctic Ocean.”
• In geology, it refers to the movement of soil or rock particles caused by wind, water, or ice.
• In social contexts, it can mean a group of people who share similar interests or behaviors and tend to associate with one another. Example: “The local music scene had a distinct counterculture drift.”

Verb (v)

• To move slowly and aimlessly, especially being carried by a current or wind. Example: “The clouds drifted across the sky.”
• To gradually shift or change direction, opinion, or focus over time. Example: “His political views began to drift leftwards.”
• To engage in drifting, a driving technique where a car intentionally loses traction and slides sideways through corners.

Phrases

• “Drift apart” means to gradually grow distant or less close emotionally or physically. Example: “Over time, they began to drift apart.”
• “Get caught in the drift” refers to becoming involved in something unintentionally or passively.
• “Drift off” means to fall asleep gradually or to become lost in thought.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The snowdrift grew higher as the blizzard raged on.”
• Verb: “He watched the dandelion seeds drift lazily in the breeze.”
• Verb (drifting): “She expertly drifted her car around the sharp bend.”

Synonyms

• Float
• Glide
• Meander
• Move slowly
• Wander
• Shift
• Veer
• Deviate
• Change direction