The phrase "gone astray" refers to something or someone who has wandered off the intended path or gone in the wrong direction. The spelling of "astray" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), where "a" represents the short "a" sound as in "cat," "s" represents the "s" sound as in "sun," "t" represents the "t" sound as in "top," "r" represents the "r" sound as in "red," and "ay" represents the long "a" sound as in "say." Therefore, the IPA transcription would be /ɡɒn əˈstreɪ/.
Gone astray is an idiomatic expression used to describe something or someone that has deviated from the intended course, path, or expected behavior, often resulting in negative or undesirable outcomes. This phrase can be used to refer to both animate and inanimate objects or individuals.
When applied to people, "gone astray" typically indicates that they have become lost or led in the wrong direction. This can signify a departure from the accepted or morally upright path, often associated with behaviors such as criminality, addiction, or other forms of self-destructiveness. It implies a sense of aimlessness, confusion, or lack of control.
In the context of objects or things, the term "gone astray" suggests that they have become misplaced or lost. It implies that something has been separated from its proper or intended place, be it physically or metaphorically. This can refer to a variety of situations, such as lost or misplaced items, misplaced trust, or resources that have been misused or wasted.
Overall, "gone astray" conveys a sense of deviation, departure, or displacement from the desired or expected course, often carrying negative connotations. It emphasizes a sense of confusion, disarray, or failure to adhere to standards or plans.
The word "gone astray" is a phrase rather than a single word, but its etymology can be traced back to the individual words that compose it.
The word "gone" is the past participle of the verb "go", which comes from the Old English word "gān". It ultimately derives from the Proto-Germanic word *gāną, meaning "to walk" or "to go".
The term "astray" comes from the Middle English word "astrayen", which means "to wander" or "to go off course". This word is influenced by the Old French word "estrayer", which means "to go astray".
When combined, "gone astray" refers to getting lost, going off the intended path, or straying from a proper or expected course.