Adrift Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
adrift
[ษหdrษชft ]
Definitions
feeling lost
Having no fixed course or direction; lost, wandering, or unsettled.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| adrift |
Used to describe a person or thing that is floating and moving without control or direction. It can be used metaphorically for someone who feels aimless or without purpose.
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| lost |
Commonly used to describe someone who has gone astray or is unable to find their way. It can also refer to someone who feels emotionally or mentally confused.
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| wandering |
Typically used for someone or something that is moving from place to place without a fixed course or destination. It can imply aimlessness or lack of purpose.
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| unsettled |
Used to describe a state of being anxious, worried, or unsure about something. It can also refer to something that is not stable or calm.
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Examples of usage
- She felt adrift in a sea of unfamiliar faces.
- After the breakup, he was adrift and unsure of what to do next.
floating on water
Floating without being moored or anchored.
Synonyms
floating, unanchored, unmoored.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| adrift |
Use when something or someone is wandering aimlessly, often floating without control. It often has a connotation of being lost or lacking direction.
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| floating |
Use when something is resting or moving gently on the surface of a liquid, typically water. It can also metaphorically describe something that is not fixed or stable in a non-negative way.
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| unmoored |
Use when something is released from its moorings, literally or figuratively. It often suggests a sense of disconnection or not being tied down, and can imply a sense of instability or vulnerability.
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| unanchored |
Use for situations where something is physically or metaphorically not secured or fixed in place, often implying a lack of stability or security.
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Examples of usage
- The boat was adrift in the open sea.
- The buoy was adrift, bobbing aimlessly in the water.
off course
Off course or out of control.
Synonyms
off course, off track, out of control.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| adrift |
Use this term when something or someone is lacking direction or is aimlessly wandering, often in a literal or figurative sense.
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| off course |
This phrase is best used to describe a situation where something is no longer on its planned or intended path, often used in navigational contexts.
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| off track |
Use this phrase when something is not following the intended plan or is deviating from the expected path. It is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts.
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| out of control |
This phrase is used to describe a situation or behavior that is wildly unmanageable or chaotic. It has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The ship drifted adrift in the storm.
- The project went adrift due to lack of proper planning.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Many novels portray characters as 'adrift' to symbolize emotional struggles or lack of purpose, enhancing character development.
- Famous works like 'The Old Man and the Sea' illustrate the protagonist's struggle against nature while feeling adrift in his own life.
Psychology
- Feeling adrift can be associated with existential crises, representing a search for meaning in oneโs life.
- Therapists often explore feelings of being adrift in their clients, helping them to find direction and purpose.
Pop Culture
- Numerous songs discuss themes of being adrift, often exploring feelings of loneliness and longing for connection.
- Movies like 'Cast Away' depict survival and coping mechanisms when characters feel adrift in both physical and emotional contexts.
Science
- In oceanography, 'adrift' refers to objects in the water influenced by currents, helping scientists track water movement and pollution.
- Studies of marine life often show how organisms can be adrift due to ocean currents, affecting their habitats and migration patterns.
Origin of 'adrift'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'adrift' comes from Old English, with 'a-' meaning 'on' and 'drift' meaning 'drifting' or 'floating'.
- It appears in literature and poetry from the 19th century as both a physical and metaphorical term.
The word 'adrift' originated from the combination of 'a-' meaning 'on' or 'to' and 'drift' meaning 'to float aimlessly or be carried along by currents'. It first appeared in the early 17th century, used to describe ships or boats that were floating without being moored or anchored. Over time, the term expanded to encompass feelings of being lost or wandering, both physically and metaphorically.