Away Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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away
[ษหweษช ]
Definitions
Context #1 | Adverb
distance
at a distance in space or time
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He waved as I moved away from the window.
- She looked away from him.
- The children ran away when they saw the dog approaching.
Context #2 | Adverb
absence
into non-existence
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- His doubts faded away.
- The music slowly died away.
- The sun disappeared behind the clouds and the light faded away.
Context #3 | Adjective
emotional state
emotionally distant or unresponsive
Synonyms
aloof, detached, unresponsive.
Examples of usage
- She seemed cold and distant, as if lost in her own thoughts.
- His eyes were distant, as if he was lost in memories of the past.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Many poets use 'away' to illustrate themes of separation, longing, and desire.
- In Shakespeareโs works, 'away' often signifies both physical and emotional departures, enriching character dynamics.
- The phrase 'Go away' has become iconic in literature, signifying rejection or desire for solitude.
Psychology
- 'Away' can evoke feelings of loss or nostalgia, influencing how we perceive absence.
- Research shows that imagining something as 'away' can create emotional responses, impacting how we process grief.
- The concept of distance in terms of relationships can affect attachment styles, with some people feeling safer when loved ones are 'away.'
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'away with you!' is popular in movies and books, often used humorously or to express annoyance.
- Songs often feature the word 'away' as a way to express longing or distance, like in popular hits across various genres.
- 'Away' is used in many film titles, conveying themes of escape or adventure, such as 'Away We Go.'
Travel
- The concept of 'away' has inspired countless journeys and adventures, symbolizing a quest for discovery.
- Travel brochures often invite people to explore places 'away,' promising new experiences and sights.
- The phrase 'far away' is frequently used in travel ads, emphasizing the allure of distant destinations.
Origin of 'away'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'away' comes from the Old English 'awa,' which means 'from' or 'off.'
- Its roots can be traced back to Proto-Germanic, where it was used similarly to express distance.
- In Middle English, 'away' signified both physical and emotional distance, showing its dual meaning even then.
The word 'away' originated from the Old English word 'onweg', which meant 'on from this (place)'. Over time, the word evolved into 'away' in Middle English, retaining its sense of moving or being at a distance. The concept of distance, whether physical or metaphorical, remains central to the meaning of 'away'.