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Awry: meaning, definitions and examples

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awry

 

[ əˈraɪ ]

Adverb / Adjective
Context #1 | Adverb

in a wrong way

When something is awry, it is not working as it should, or it is out of place. It signifies a deviation from the expected or intended course.

Synonyms

amiss, askew, off, wrong

Examples of usage

  • The plan went awry due to unforeseen circumstances.
  • He noticed that something was awry when he received the strange message.
  • Her smile faded when she sensed something awry in the atmosphere.
Context #2 | Adjective

not in correct position

Awry can also describe something that is not in its correct position or shape, suggesting a physical misalignment.

Synonyms

askew, bent, crooked

Examples of usage

  • The picture hung awry on the wall.
  • After the windstorm, the branches were left awry across the yard.
  • His tie was awry, indicating he had rushed out the door.

Translations

Translations of the word "awry" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desviado

🇮🇳 गलत

🇩🇪 schief

🇮🇩 menyimpang

🇺🇦 кривий

🇵🇱 krzywy

🇯🇵 歪んだ (いびつな)

🇫🇷 de travers

🇪🇸 torcido

🇹🇷 yanlış

🇰🇷 비뚤어진

🇸🇦 مائل

🇨🇿 zkroucený

🇸🇰 krivý

🇨🇳 歪斜的

🇸🇮 ukrivljen

🇮🇸 skekktur

🇰🇿 қисық

🇬🇪 მრუდი

🇦🇿 eğri

🇲🇽 torcido

Etymology

The word 'awry' has its origins in the early 15th century, derived from the Middle English term 'awrie', which itself stems from the Old English 'a-wrygan', meaning 'to turn away' or 'to deviate.' The prefix 'a-' indicates 'away,' while 'wrygan' relates to twisting or bending. Over time, its use expanded from a literal sense of physical position to encompass broader meanings, including metaphorical deviations from expected outcomes or proper conduct. The evolution of 'awry' reflects a linguistic journey from specific physical misalignment to the more abstract sense of things not going as planned, making it a versatile term in modern English.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,290, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.