The word "drifting away" is spelled as /ˈdrɪftɪŋ əˈweɪ/. The first part, "drifting," starts with a voiced alveolar fricative /ð/ combined with the voiced alveolar stop /d/. The vowel sound is represented by /ɪ/, and ends with the unvoiced alveolar fricative /f/ and the voiceless dental fricative /θ/. The second part, "away," starts with the open mid-central unrounded vowel /ə/ and ends with the diphthong /eɪ/. This word is commonly used to describe someone or something moving slowly and aimlessly, further and further away.
Drifting away refers to a gradual and unintentional process of moving apart or becoming disconnected from someone or something emotionally, mentally, or physically. It often occurs between individuals who were previously close, such as friends, family members, or romantic partners, and can result from various factors, including changes in interests, priorities, or circumstances.
In the realm of relationships, drifting away commonly manifests as a weakening of the bond or a decline in the level of intimacy and communication. Feelings that were once strong may dissipate over time, which can lead to an overall sense of distance or indifference. This can happen when two people grow apart due to differences in values, priorities, or life trajectories. It can also stem from a lack of effort or investment put into maintaining the relationship, allowing distractions or external pressures to divert attention and neglect nurturing the connection.
In a broader context, drifting away can also describe an individual's personal journey of detachment or disengagement from a particular belief, ideology, or way of life. This may involve the gradual loosening of one's commitment, interest, or passion towards a specific activity, group, or set of values. It can arise due to personal growth, shifts in perspective, or the discovery of new interests and aspirations that no longer align with the previous focus.
Overall, drifting away signifies a slow separation or distancing that occurs over time, typically without conscious intent or effort, resulting in a sense of disconnect or detachment between individuals, or between an individual and a previously held belief or commitment.
The term "drifting away" does not have a distinct etymology because it is a common phrase that combines two separate words. However, we can examine the origins of each word individually.
1. Drifting: The word "drift" can be traced back to the Old Norse word "drift" meaning "snowdrift or driving snow". Over time, it expanded in usage to describe the movement of snow, dust, or objects being carried along by wind or water currents. By the 16th century, "drift" had extended its meaning to encompass the idea of being carried along by a force, whether literally or metaphorically.
2. Away: "Away" is an Old English word that originated from the combination of two elements: "on" meaning "on" or "at" and "weg" meaning "way" or "journey".