Drifting leaves: meaning, definitions and examples

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drifting leaves

 

[ ˈdrɪftɪŋ liːvz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

autumn weather

Leaves that are falling or being blown around aimlessly due to the wind, typically associated with the autumn season.

Synonyms

blowing leaves, falling leaves.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
drifting leaves

This phrase is typically used to describe leaves that are gently moving through the air, often carried by a light breeze. It evokes a calm and serene atmosphere.

  • I watched the drifting leaves as they floated peacefully down the stream
falling leaves

This phrase is most often used to describe leaves as they detach from trees and descend to the ground. It is commonly associated with the autumn season.

  • The park became an ocean of colors with the falling leaves covering the ground
blowing leaves

This is used to describe leaves that are being moved by the wind with more force. It often conveys a sense of autumn or a windy day.

  • The blowing leaves made it hard to walk down the street without getting something in your eyes

Examples of usage

  • The drifting leaves created a beautiful carpet of colors on the ground.
  • I love the sound of drifting leaves rustling in the wind.
Context #2 | Noun

poetic imagery

Symbolic representation of transience and change, often used in poetry to evoke themes of impermanence and passing time.

Synonyms

fluttering leaves, swirling leaves.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
drifting leaves

This phrase is best used to describe leaves that are slowly and gently moving through the air, carried by a light breeze. It gives a peaceful and tranquil feeling.

  • The drifting leaves created a serene atmosphere in the park.
  • She watched the drifting leaves from her window, lost in thought.
fluttering leaves

This is ideal for describing leaves that are moving quickly and lightly, usually because of a sudden gust of wind or the presence of an insect. It has a more delicate and lively feeling compared to 'drifting leaves'.

  • Butterflies danced among the fluttering leaves.
  • The sudden breeze set the leaves fluttering.
swirling leaves

Use this phrase when leaves are moving in a circular motion, often caused by a stronger, twirling wind. It can sometimes imply a more chaotic or energetic scene.

  • The autumn wind sent the leaves swirling in every direction.
  • Kids ran through the swirling leaves, laughing as they played.

Examples of usage

  • The poet used drifting leaves as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of life.
  • The image of drifting leaves carried a sense of melancholy in the poem.

Translations

Translations of the word "drifting leaves" in other languages:

🇵🇹 folhas à deriva

🇮🇳 बहती पत्तियाँ

🇩🇪 treibende Blätter

🇮🇩 daun yang melayang

🇺🇦 дрейфуюче листя

🇵🇱 unoszące się liście

🇯🇵 漂う葉

🇫🇷 feuilles à la dérive

🇪🇸 hojas a la deriva

🇹🇷 sürüklenen yapraklar

🇰🇷 떠도는 잎

🇸🇦 أوراق متطايرة

🇨🇿 plovoucí listy

🇸🇰 plávajúce listy

🇨🇳 漂浮的叶子

🇸🇮 plavajoči listi

🇮🇸 reki lauf

🇰🇿 қалқып жүрген жапырақтар

🇬🇪 მოვარდნილი ფოთლები

🇦🇿 üzən yarpaqlar

🇲🇽 hojas a la deriva

Etymology

The concept of drifting leaves has been a recurring motif in literature and art, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life and the passage of time. From ancient poetry to modern works, the image of leaves floating or being carried by the wind has captivated the imagination of writers and artists worldwide. It serves as a poignant reminder of the transient beauty of nature and the inevitability of change.