The word "swept away" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /swɛpt əˈweɪ/. The first syllable "swept" is pronounced with a short "e" sound /ɛ/ followed by the consonant cluster "pt". The second syllable "away" is pronounced with a schwa sound /ə/ and ends with the diphthong "ay" /eɪ/. Together, the two syllables form a compound word that means "carried away by a strong current or emotion". Make sure to spell it correctly to avoid confusion!
The phrase "swept away" refers to the act of being carried away or overwhelmed by a strong force, energy, or emotion. It conveys the idea of being completely taken over or entranced by something, often in a sudden and intense manner.
In a literal sense, "swept away" can describe being physically carried off by a current or strong wind. For example, a person caught in a powerful river current may be "swept away" downstream, unable to resist or control their movement.
Figuratively, "swept away" predominantly denotes an emotional or psychological state. It signifies being overwhelmed or captivated by a strong feeling or experience, such as love, passion, or excitement. For instance, a person might say they were "swept away" by a beautiful sunset, meaning they were completely engrossed and overcome by its stunning beauty.
Additionally, "swept away" can also be used to describe a sudden and drastic change in circumstances that leaves a person feeling disoriented or unprepared. For instance, a person who unexpectedly loses their job and all financial stability might feel "swept away" by those circumstances, as if their life has taken an unforeseen and uncontrollable turn.
Overall, "swept away" captures the notion of being carried off or overwhelmed, whether physically, emotionally, or metaphorically, often leaving a sense of being powerless or deeply affected by the force or experience encountered.
The word "swept away" consists of two components: "swept" and "away".
The term "sweep" comes from the Old English word "swǣpan" which means "to clean or clear using a broom or brush". This sense of sweeping is metaphorically extended to denote the action of removing something quickly or forcefully, like sweeping away dirt or debris.
The word "away" is derived from the Old English word "onweg" which means "from this place or position". It combines the preposition "on" (indicating position or location) and "weg" (meaning "way" or "path").
When combined, "swept away" conveys the idea of something being forcibly or quickly removed from a certain place or position. It is commonly used to describe intense emotions or experiences that completely overwhelm or carry someone away.