Pronunciation: [stɹˈe͡ɪ ˈɒf] (IPA) 
The phrase "stray off" is spelled with the letters s-t-r-a-y and o-f-f, respectively. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is represented as /streɪ ɒf/. The first syllable, "stray," is pronounced with a long "a" sound, while the second syllable, "off," is pronounced with a short "o" sound. This phrase means to deviate from a planned or intended course, and is often used in the context of giving directions or staying on track.
The phrase "stray off" refers to the act of deviating or diverting from a intended path, route, or course of action, often unintentionally. It implies moving away or wandering aimlessly from a predetermined direction or objective.
When someone or something "strays off," they veer off the intended path or become lost. This can apply to physical movement, such as a person wandering away from a designated trail or a vehicle deviating from a planned route. Metaphorically, it can also describe a person or group losing focus or losing their way in pursuing a goal or objective. It suggests a lack of attention or discipline, leading to a detour or abandonment of the intended path.
This phrase can also be used to describe animals that have lost their way or become separated from their designated area or group. In this context, "stray off" refers to animals going astray or becoming feral, often due to abandonment or being separated from their owners or natural habitat.
Overall, "stray off" conveys the idea of unintentionally veering away from a desired direction, whether it is physical, metaphorical, or related to animal behavior. It suggests a sense of wandering, being lost, or deviating from the intended course, leading to a need for redirection or reevaluation of one's actions or path.
The word "stray" can be traced back to the Old French "estrayer", meaning "to wander off". This ultimately derives from the Latin word "extravagari", which combines "extra", meaning "beyond", and "vagus", meaning "wandering". Over time, "stray" came to specifically refer to domesticated animals wandering off from their homes.
The addition of "off" in the phrase "stray off" serves as an intensifier, reinforcing the notion of moving away or deviating from a path or intended direction. Overall, the etymology of "stray off" conveys the idea of something or someone wandering off or deviating from a designated course or location.
