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Veering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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veering

[ˈvɪrɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

movement direction

To veer means to change direction suddenly or to diverge from a straight course. It typically refers to a swift alteration in the path or trend of something.

Synonyms

change direction, diverge, shift, swerve, turn.

Examples of usage

  • The car veered to the left to avoid an obstacle.
  • The discussion veered off topic unexpectedly.
  • She veered away from her usual routine last week.

Translations

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

Origin of 'veering'

The word 'veering' comes from the Middle English term 'verien,' which means to turn aside or deviate. The roots of this word can be traced back to Old French 'virer,' meaning to turn or to spin. The evolution of the term corresponds with the physical act of shifting direction, often associated with sailing and navigation, where a ship would 'veer' its sails to catch the wind more efficiently. Over time, the application of the term has expanded beyond nautical contexts, now frequently used in everyday language to describe any sudden change in course or direction, whether literal or metaphorical.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,444, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.