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Astray: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿšถโ€โ™‚๏ธ
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astray

 

[ ษ™หˆstreษช ]

Adverb / Adjective
Context #1 | Adverb

directional path

Astray means away from the correct path or direction. It can refer to both physical and metaphorical deviances, such as becoming lost or following an incorrect course in life.

Synonyms

lost, off track, strayed

Examples of usage

  • The hikers went astray in the dense forest.
  • His thoughts wandered astray from the main topic.
  • The puppy ran astray while chasing a butterfly.
Context #2 | Adjective

moral deviation

When used as an adjective, astray indicates something or someone that has deviated from the right path or moral standards. It often describes individuals who have lost their way in a broader, ethical sense.

Synonyms

deviant, misguided, wayward

Examples of usage

  • Many believe that society has gone astray.
  • He felt astray from his beliefs after the incident.
  • The astray youth were assisted by the community center.

Translations

Translations of the word "astray" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น desviado

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคญเคŸเค•เคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช vom Weg abgekommen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tersesat

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑะปัƒะบะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ zbล‚ฤ…kany

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ฟทๅญใซใชใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท รฉgarรฉ

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ desviado

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yoldan sapmak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ธธ์„ ์žƒ๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชุงุฆู‡

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zbloudit

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ zablรบdiลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฟท่ทฏ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ zabloden

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ villtur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะพะปะดะฐะฝ ะฐะดะฐััƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒแƒ‘แƒœแƒ”แƒฃแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ itkin

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ desviado

Etymology

The word 'astray' comes from Middle English 'astraie,' which is derived from the Old English term 'astray,' meaning 'out of the way.' The prefix 'a-' indicates 'from' or 'away,' while 'stray' relates to wandering or deviating from a path. Its usage has evolved over centuries, retaining the essence of being lost or deviating from the correct course. Historically, 'astray' has been used in both literal contexts, such as navigation and travel, as well as metaphorical ones, referring to moral and ethical misdirection. In literature and spoken language, it often echoes themes of confusion, loss, and the need for guidance.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,320, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.