Casting away is a phrase that refers to the act of getting rid of something or someone. In phonetic transcription, the word "casting" is spelled /ˈkæstɪŋ/, which has a hard "c" sound at the beginning and a short "a" sound in the middle. The word "away" is spelled /əˈweɪ/, with the stressed syllable being the second one and the "a" sound in the unstressed first syllable being pronounced as a schwa sound. Together, these two words make up a common expression used in everyday language.
Casting away can be defined as the act of discarding, abandoning, or rejecting something or someone, typically due to no longer finding value, use, or favor in them. It involves intentionally getting rid of or giving up on something or someone, often with the intention of permanently severing ties or connections.
This term can be used in various contexts. For instance, in relationships, casting away refers to the act of ending a relationship, disregarding the person's presence or importance, and no longer valuing or considering them. Similarly, in friendships, casting away involves deliberately disregarding a friend, breaking ties, and ceasing to consider their companionship.
In a material sense, casting away can refer to getting rid of items or possessions by physically discarding them, donating them, or disposing of them. This can be done for various reasons, such as to create more space, declutter, or replace them with better alternatives.
Metaphorically, casting away can also be associated with emotions, habits, or qualities that one seeks to eliminate or abandon. It implies intentionally letting go of negative thoughts, behaviors, or traits, and adopting more positive or productive ones.
In summary, casting away encompasses the deliberate act of abandoning, discarding, or rejecting something or someone, whether it is in relationships, material possessions, or personal development. It involves detached decision-making and a conscious effort to sever ties or remove influence.
The phrase "casting away" consists of two main elements: "casting" and "away".
The verb "cast" comes from the Old English word "castan" which originally meant "to throw". It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word "kastōną" and can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*kes-" meaning "to cut off" or "to separate".
The word "away" is derived from the Old English word "onweg" meaning "from this place" or "far off". It can be further traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*awē" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*h₂ewh₁-" meaning "to go" or "to leave".
Therefore, when combined, "casting away" essentially means to "throw something far off" or "to part with something".