DRIFT Meaning and
Definition
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Drift, as a noun, refers to the act or process of floating, moving, or being carried along by currents or air currents. It commonly describes the gradual or slow movement or change in position of an object, organism, or substance due to external forces or the absence of any controlling factor. In the context of fluid dynamics, drift may refer to a sideways or downstream effect caused by the interaction of fluid flow with an object or surface.
Furthermore, drift can also signify a continuous aimless or random movement, often without a fixed or specific destination. In this sense, it indicates the tendency to wander, meander, or stray, implying a lack of purpose or direction. Drift can be used to describe both physical movements and metaphorical actions, such as the gradual shifting of societal opinions or the unconscious influence of cultural factors.
As a verb, drift means to move or be carried gently along by currents, wind, or other forces, typically without any conscious or deliberate control. It also refers to the act of deviating or straying from an intended course, plan, or idea. In certain contexts, drift can emphasize the idea of slowly and unintentionally shifting or changing over time, such as the gradual shift in language usage or the evolution of scientific theories. Drift can also be used to describe the movement of particulate matter or substances, such as snow, sand, or smoke, as they are carried by air currents or water flows.
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• That which is driven by wind or water and collected in heaps; overbearing power or influence; tendency; aim or scope; in mining, a passage cut between shaft and shaft, called the driftway.
• To be driven into heaps, as snow or sand; to be driven along by a current of water, as the ship drifts; to drive into heaps.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for DRIFT *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for DRIFT
Etymology of DRIFT
The word "drift" has its origins in Old English, derived from the Old Norse word "drift", which meant "snowdrift" or "driftwood". The Old Norse term was a noun form of the verb "drífa", meaning "to float" or "to drift". In Old English, "drift" initially referred to the action of being driven, carried, or transported by wind, water, or currents, which eventually extended to the drifting of snow or ice. Over time, the word's meaning broadened to include any general movement or course, whether controlled or uncontrolled, leading to its contemporary usage as a noun to refer to the act of being carried along by wind or water currents, or as a verb to describe such movement.
Idioms with the word DRIFT
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drift with the tide
The idiom "drift with the tide" means to go along with or conform to popular opinions, trends, or circumstances, without making any effort to resist or question them. It denotes a passive and easygoing approach to life, lacking personal ambition or a strong individual stance.
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get the drift
The idiom "get the drift" means to understand the general idea or main point of something, even if it is not explicitly stated. It refers to comprehending the underlying meaning or implication of a conversation or situation.
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get drift
The idiom "get the drift" means to understand the general idea or main point of something, even if not all the details are explicitly stated. It suggests comprehending the underlying meaning or intention behind someone's words or actions.
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get sb's/the drift
The idiom "get sb's/the drift" means to understand someone's hint, implication, or the true meaning of what they are saying. It refers to the ability to grasp the main idea or intention behind someone's words or actions.
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if you get my drift
The idiom "if you get my drift" is used to imply that the speaker is suggesting or hinting at something without explicitly stating it. It suggests that the listener should understand the underlying meaning or implication of what is being said.
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get sm's drift
The idiom "get someone's drift" means to understand or comprehend someone's intended meaning or message, especially when it is not explicitly stated or unclear. It implies grasping the underlying point or purpose of what someone is saying or doing.
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drift with sth
The idiom "drift with sth" means to go along with or be influenced by something without actively making any conscious decisions or taking a clear stance. It suggests a lack of purposeful action or independent thinking, as one simply allows events or circumstances to take their course without actively guiding or controlling the situation.
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drift toward sm or sth
The idiom "drift toward something or someone" refers to gradually moving or being drawn in a specific direction, either physically or metaphorically. It implies a lack of intention or conscious decision-making, as if being carried along by circumstance or influence.
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drift out
The idiom "drift out" generally means to gradually lose interest, attention, or involvement in something or someone. It implies the slow and passive withdrawal from a particular situation, group, or relationship without any deliberate action.
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drift off
The idiom "drift off" refers to gradually falling asleep or losing focus and daydreaming unintentionally.
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drift in
The idiom "drift in" refers to the act of arriving or coming somewhere casually or without a specific plan or purpose. It often implies a lack of intentionality or direction in one's arrival.
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drift toward
The idiom "drift toward" refers to the gradual movement or inclination in a particular direction or goal without intentional effort or a clear plan. It implies a passive or unconsciously negligent way of progressing or heading towards something.
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catch/get somebody’s/the drift
The idiom "catch/get somebody’s/the drift" means to understand the general meaning or implication of something, often a conversation or situation, even if specific details are not explicitly stated. It refers to comprehending the main point or essence of what is being said or conveyed.
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drift in(to) (something)
The idiom "drift in(to) (something)" typically means to casually or inadvertently enter or become involved in a particular situation, activity, or place, often without much intention or planning. It suggests a gradual or natural movement towards something, without a clear course of action.
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drift with (something)
The idiom "drift with (something)" is typically used to describe the act of going along with the flow or the prevailing trend, without actively participating or making conscious decisions. It implies a lack of resistance or autonomy, as if one is being effortlessly carried along by external circumstances or influences.
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get (one's) drift
The idiom "get (one's) drift" means to understand or grasp the general meaning or intention of what someone is saying or suggesting, even if it is not explicitly stated. It refers to the ability to comprehend a subtle or indirect message.
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get someone's drift
The idiom "get someone's drift" means to understand or comprehend the main point, message, or intention behind what someone is saying or implying, especially when they are not directly stating it. It refers to grasping the underlying or implied meaning in a conversation or situation.
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drift away
The idiom "drift away" refers to gradually moving or distancing oneself from someone or something, both physically and emotionally, often without intention or awareness. It implies a gradual loss of connection or interest, resulting in a separation or detachment.
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drift off to sleep
The idiom "drift off to sleep" means to gradually and gently fall asleep in a relaxed manner, often without actively intending to do so or being aware of the exact moment of falling asleep.
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catch (someone's) drift
The idiom "catch someone's drift" means to understand or grasp the meaning or intention behind someone's words or actions, often indirectly or subtly expressed. It refers to comprehending someone's implied message or suggestion without it being explicitly stated.
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drift apart
The idiom "drift apart" refers to the gradual separation or distance that develops between two individuals or groups who were once close or had a strong bond. It signifies the slow fading of a relationship or connection over time, often due to circumstances, changes, or lack of communication.
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drift back
The idiom "drift back" refers to the act of returning to a previous state, condition, or place, often in a gradual or unconscious manner. It can imply relapsing into old habits, thoughts, or emotions, or physically going back to a familiar location.
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(Do you) get my drift?
The idiom "Do you get my drift?" means to ask someone if they understand the underlying meaning or implication of what has been said or suggested, especially when it is not explicitly stated. It seeks to confirm if the listener is able to grasp the intended message or comprehend the indirect hints or allusions being made.
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get the drift of sth
The idiom "get the drift of sth" means to understand or comprehend the general or underlying meaning or intention of something, even if it is not explicitly stated. It implies grasping the main idea or concept without needing further explanation.
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catch/get somebody's/the drift
The idiom "catch/get somebody's/the drift" means to understand or comprehend the general meaning or the main point of a conversation or situation, even if it is not explicitly stated. It refers to the ability to grasp the underlying message or intention.
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catch the drift
The idiom "catch the drift" means to understand or grasp the underlying meaning or intention behind someone's words or actions. It implies the ability to comprehend the implied or hidden message being conveyed.
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drift back (to someone or something)
The idiom "drift back (to someone or something)" means to gradually and naturally return or come back to a person or situation after being away or disconnected from them. It implies a sense of returning to familiar or comfortable territory, often involving emotions, memories, or loyalty.
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drift along
The idiom "drift along" refers to living without a clear sense of direction or purpose, often due to a lack of motivation or ambition. It suggests a state of passivity or being carried along by external circumstances without actively making decisions or taking control of one's life.
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drift back (to sm or sth)
The idiom "drift back (to sm or sth)" generally means to return or reminisce about someone or something from the past. It implies the act of nostalgically recalling a person, place, or experience that has had an impact in one's life. The phrase suggests a subtle or gradual process of the mind being drawn back to a particular memory or period of time.
Similar spelling words for DRIFT
Conjugate verb Drift
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have drifted
you
would have drifted
he/she/it
would have drifted
we
would have drifted
they
would have drifted
I
would have drift
you
would have drift
he/she/it
would have drift
we
would have drift
they
would have drift
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been drifting
you
would have been drifting
he/she/it
would have been drifting
we
would have been drifting
they
would have been drifting
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would drift
you
would drift
he/she/it
would drift
we
would drift
they
would drift
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be drifting
you
would be drifting
he/she/it
would be drifting
we
would be drifting
they
would be drifting
FUTURE
I
will drift
you
will drift
he/she/it
will drift
we
will drift
they
will drift
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be drifting
you
will be drifting
he/she/it
will be drifting
we
will be drifting
they
will be drifting
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have drifted
you
will have drifted
he/she/it
will have drifted
we
will have drifted
they
will have drifted
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been drifting
you
will have been drifting
he/she/it
will have been drifting
we
will have been drifting
they
will have been drifting
IMPERATIVE
you
drift
we
let´s drift
to drift
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was drifting
you
were drifting
he/she/it
was drifting
we
were drifting
they
were drifting
PAST PARTICIPLE
drifted
PAST PERFECT
I
had drifted
you
had drifted
he/she/it
had drifted
we
had drifted
they
had drifted
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been drifting
you
had been drifting
he/she/it
had been drifting
we
had been drifting
they
had been drifting
PRESENT
I
drift
you
drift
he/she/it
drifts
we
drift
they
drift
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am drifting
you
are drifting
he/she/it
is drifting
we
are drifting
they
are drifting
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
drifting
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have drifted
you
have drifted
he/she/it
has drifted
we
have drifted
they
have drifted
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been drifting
you
have been drifting
he/she/it
has been drifting
we
have been drifting
they
have been drifting
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
drift
SIMPLE PAST
I
drifted
you
drifted
he/she/it
drifted
we
drifted
they
drifted
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