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Meaning of drift
The primary meaning of the word "drift" is to move slowly and steadily, often without a specific direction or purpose.
Etymology of drift
The word "drift" comes from the Old English word "drifan", which means "to drive", and is related to the Old Norse word "drifa", which means "to drive" or "to rush".
The word has been used in English since the 9th century, initially to describe the act of driving or moving something, and later to describe the movement of objects or people without a specific direction or purpose.
Synonyms
drift
float
glide
slide
slip
stray
wander
roam
meander
flow
stream
current
tide
wave
flux
migration
movement
shift
swing
veer
turn
curve
bend
incline
lean
list
tilt
career
sweep
surge
rush
flowage
circulation
passage
progress
advancement
regression
retrogression
recession
ebb
fluxion
glissade
slide
slippage
err
deviate
digress
diverge
deflect
swerve
sheer
veer
yaw
shift
change
alter
vary
modify
transform
transmigrate
transpose
transfer
convey
carry
bear
transport
move
displace
remove
relocate
resettle
reposition
restation
move
budge
stir
migrate
transmigrate
roam
wander
stray
err
ramble
range
prowl
patrol
travel
journey
tour
trek
voyage
cruise
sail
navigate
float
drift
glide
slide
slip
career
sweep
surge
rush
flow
stream
tide
wave.
Definitions
- To move slowly and steadily, often without a specific direction or purpose
- To be carried along by a current of water or air
- To change or deviate from a course or direction
- To move or become displaced, often slowly or gradually
- To accumulate or be deposited, often in a layer or mass
Usage Examples
- The boat began to drift away from the shore as the current picked up.
- Her attention started to drift as the lecture went on.
- The snow drifted against the fence, forming a large bank.
- The company's profits have drifted downward over the past quarter.
- The music drifted through the open window, filling the room with a soothing melody.
Antonyms
anchor
moor
secure
fasten
tie
bind
fix
stabilize
steady
balance
settle
root
ground
plant
lodge
nest
perch
roost
alight
land
dock
berth
harbor
shelter
protect
shield
guard
defend
oppose
resist
withstand
counter
fight
struggle
strive
endeavor
try
attempt
aim
direct
purpose
intend
mean
plan
plot
scheme
devise
contrive
design
construct
build
create
make
form
shape
mold
fashion
forge
cast
found
establish
set
fix
determine
decide
resolve
purpose
direct
guide
lead
conduct
steer
navigate
pilot
control
command
govern
rule
dominate
master
overcome
conquer
vanquish
subdue
suppress
check
curb
restrain
hinder
obstruct
block
bar
impede
delay
halt
stop
stay
pause
wait
linger
tarry
loiter
idle
stagnate
stand
remain
stay
abide
dwell
reside
inhabit
live
locate
situate
place
position
station
post
deploy
dispose
arrange
order
organize
systematize
methodize
regulate
adjust
rectify
correct
amend
reform
improve
enhance
perfect
consummate
complete
finish
terminate
end
conclude
close.