The spelling of the word "drawing away" is straightforward as it comprises two common English words, "drawing" and "away." Drawing is spelled as [ˈdrɔːɪŋ], which means producing an image on paper or any surface, while away is spelled as [əˈweɪ], which means moving or being removed from a particular location. The combination of these words result in a compound phrase meaning to move or pull something away from a particular location, which is essential in various fields such as sports, art, and machinery.
Drawing away is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of gradually or slowly moving away from something or someone or creating a distance between oneself and a particular situation or person. It involves the process of detaching oneself emotionally, physically, or socially from a previous connection.
In a physical sense, drawing away can mean physically moving away from a person or place slowly or stealthily. For example, if two friends are walking together and one begins to draw away, they gradually distance themselves from the other person, either intentionally or unintentionally.
Emotionally, drawing away can occur when an individual starts to become emotionally distant or detached from a relationship or situation. This may happen due to a loss of interest, a changing dynamic, or a desire for personal space or solitude. The person might exhibit signs of becoming aloof, less engaged, or less open in communication.
Socially, drawing away can involve withdrawing from a group or community, either due to personal reasons, a disagreement, lack of interest, or a desire for independence. It may manifest as a gradual decrease in involvement, participation, or interaction with others.
In summary, drawing away refers to the gradual movement, emotional distance, or social withdrawal from someone or something, indicating a diminishing connection or involvement.
The phrase "drawing away" does not have a distinct etymology on its own because it is a combination of two separate words: "drawing" and "away".
1. Drawing: This word originated from the Old English word "dragan" or "drægan", which means "to drag" or "to pull". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "draganą" and ultimately to the Proto-Indo-European root *dʰreh₁ɡʰ-, meaning "to draw" or "to pull". Over time, the word "drag" evolved into "draw" with a similar meaning.
2. Away: The word "away" is derived from the Old English word "onweg" or "anweg", which means "from this or that place" or "off" depending on context.