The phrase "drives apart" consists of two words that have different pronunciations. "Drives" is pronounced /draɪvz/ with a voiced "v" sound at the end, while "apart" is pronounced /əˈpɑːt/ with a silent "t" at the end. The spelling of each word reflects its phonetic sound, with "drives" using the letter "v" and "apart" using the letter "t" but not pronouncing it. The phrase means to move people or things away from each other.
The phrase "drives apart" refers to the action or process of creating distance, division, or conflict between individuals, groups, or entities. It involves the deliberate or unintentional actions that contribute to the alienation, disconnection, or estrangement of people, causing them to move away from each other in terms of thoughts, opinions, feelings, or relationships. This term encompasses the overall impact of various factors or influences that disrupt unity, harmony, or cooperation.
Drives apart can be observed in different contexts, such as social, political, or personal relationships. In social settings, it characterizes situations where diverging ideologies, prejudices, or misunderstandings emerge, leading to the separation of individuals or groups who were previously bound by common goals or interests. In the political arena, drives apart embodies the forces that fracture or fragment societies, fostering polarization, and triggering conflicts based on contrasting beliefs, values, or agendas.
At a personal level, drives apart describes the disintegration or deterioration of interpersonal connections, either due to miscommunication, incompatible lifestyles, or unresolved conflicts. It may result in the decay of romantic relationships, friendships, or familial bonds, as well as in the weakening of social connections within communities.
In summary, "drives apart" denotes the essence of any process, action, or circumstance that fosters division, isolation, or discord among individuals or groups, leading to their separation or estrangement. It reflects the dynamics that push people away from each other, discouraging collaboration, understanding, or shared experiences.
The phrase "drives apart" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two common English words, "drives" and "apart" which both have their own separate origins.
- "Drives" comes from the Old English word "drifan", meaning "to impel or push forward". It has cognates in other Germanic languages such as German "treiben" and Dutch "drijven".
- "Apart" comes from the Old English word "onweard" which meant "separate" or "away from". It is a combination of "a-", meaning "on" or "at", and "part", meaning "a separate portion".
When combined, "drives apart" simply means to push or move things or people away from each other.