Straying Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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straying

[ˈstreɪɪŋ ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

lost

Moving away aimlessly from a group or from the right course or place.

Synonyms

deviate, drift, roam, wander, wander off.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
straying	Usually related to a person or animal moving away from the correct path or direction, either physically or metaphorically. The dog started straying further from the house each day. Her thoughts kept straying to the argument she had earlier.
wander	Similar to roam, but can apply to both physical and mental contexts where there's a lack of clear direction. After dinner, they decided to wander the streets of the old town. Her thoughts would often wander during meetings.
roam	Indicates aimless or leisurely movement over a larger area. Often used in a context of exploring or wandering freely without specific direction. They loved to roam the countryside on weekends. Wild animals tend to roam freely in this nature reserve.
drift	Commonly describes a slow and unplanned movement, either physically through space or metaphorically in thought or behavior. The boat began to drift away from the shore. Her mind would often drift during long lectures.
wander off	Specifically refers to leaving a designated or expected area, often unintentionally and used more in casual settings. The child wandered off in the park, causing his parents to panic. During the trip, one of the hikers wandered off the trail.
deviate	Often used when someone moves away from a set plan or norm. This word is more formal and sometimes carries a negative connotation. The project began to deviate from its original objectives. He chose to deviate from the usual route to avoid traffic.

Examples of usage

He strayed away from the hiking trail and got lost in the woods.
The dog strayed from its owner and ended up in the neighbor's yard.
We must be careful not to stray too far from the main road.
The lost child was found after straying into a nearby park.
She warned him not to stray too far from the group.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

In many poems and stories, characters who stray often find themselves in adventures or problems because of their choices, symbolizing personal growth or loss.
Classic works often depict protagonists straying from the norm, showcasing themes of rebellion and the search for identity.
Notable authors have explored the idea of straying as a metaphor for creativity—straying from traditional methods leads to innovation.

Psychology

In psychological terms, straying can refer to distractions that lead individuals off their intended tasks, impacting productivity.
Straying in thoughts, known as mind-wandering, is a common human experience that affects creative thinking and problem-solving.
The concept of straying can also be connected to decision-making processes, where individuals deviate from rational choices based on emotional influences.

Pop Culture

Straying is a common theme in songs and movies, where characters often 'stray away' from their responsibilities, leading to dramatic consequences.
Catchy pop songs frequently use the idea of straying to express romantic confusion or heartbreak, resonating with listeners on personal levels.
The term is illustrated in various popular TV shows where characters deviate from their expected paths, creating humor or conflict.

Origin of 'straying'

Main points about word origin

The word 'straying' comes from the Old English word 'streogan,' meaning to go or walk, which evolved to imply wandering off.
Historically, the term is related to the Middle English word 'straien,' which meant to stray away from a course.
The concept of straying has been used since at least the 14th century, often in religious texts to describe moral wandering.

The word 'straying' originated from the Old English word 'strēagian', which meant 'to wander' or 'to go astray'. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to refer to moving away aimlessly from a group or the right course. The concept of straying has been present in various cultures and literature, often symbolizing a sense of wandering or getting lost. Today, 'straying' is commonly used to describe a deviation from the intended path or course.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,632, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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22629 smirked
22630 bubbled
22631 presbytery
22632 straying
22633 feathery
22634 eventuality
22635 limping
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