Drift
/drɪft/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo be carried along by currents of water or air; to move slowly.
/drɪft/
To be carried slowly by a current of water or air.
The boat drifted aimlessly on the calm sea.
💡 Simply: Like when a boat is moving, not by its engine, but by the wind or water. Or think of a leaf floating slowly on a lake.
👶 For kids: To move slowly on the water or in the air.
More Examples
Clouds drifted across the blue sky.
As the storm passed, snow began to drift outside my window.
How It's Used
"The ship began to drift further out to sea."
"Snow drifted onto the road overnight."
To move or change gradually, especially from one position or condition to another.
/drɪft/
To move or change slowly from one position or condition to another.
The conversation drifted to another topic.
💡 Simply: When things change slowly and gradually, like your interests or a conversation topic.
👶 For kids: To slowly change or move away from something, like when friends stop playing together.
More Examples
Their relationship began to drift apart.
As time passed, public opinion on the issue began to drift.
How It's Used
"Their friendship began to drift apart due to different interests."
"The conversation drifted towards politics."
A slow, gradual movement; the act of drifting.
/drɪft/
A slow, gradual movement.
The ship was caught in the ocean's drift.
💡 Simply: The general direction something is going, or a pile of snow or sand caused by the wind.
👶 For kids: When something moves slowly, like a boat, or when snow piles up.
More Examples
A snow drift had formed near the house.
The general drift of the debate was towards compromise.
How It's Used
"A snow drift blocked the road after the blizzard."
"The drift of the argument was lost in detail."
A bank of snow or sand piled up by the wind.
/drɪft/
A pile of snow or sand piled up by the wind.
The snow drift blocked the entrance to the cabin.
💡 Simply: A big pile of snow or sand that the wind makes.
👶 For kids: A big pile of snow or sand that the wind makes.
More Examples
She had to shovel the snow drifts from her driveway.
Sand drifts covered the beach.
How It's Used
"The road was blocked by a snow drift."
"Sand drifts accumulated near the desert dunes."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
to drift apart
To gradually become less close or friendly with someone.
"After college, we drifted apart as our lives took different directions."
From Old English *drīfan* 'to drive' or 'to push', related to Dutch *drijven* and German *treiben*. Initially referred to the movement caused by a force (wind, current), later evolved to encompass the concept of gradual, unplanned movement or change.
The word 'drift' has been used for centuries, evolving from descriptions of movement in natural elements to abstract changes and societal trends.
Memory tip
Imagine a leaf floating on a river - it drifts.
Word Origin
"to drive, to push"