C1verb2K

Drift

UK /["/drɪft/","/drɪfts/","/ˈdrɪftɪd/","/ˈdrɪftɪŋ/"]/US /["/drɪft/","/drɪfts/","/ˈdrɪftɪd/","/ˈdrɪftɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to move along smoothly and slowly in water or air

In simple words: To move slowly or without a specific direction.

Examples

  • The boat began to drift slowly away from the shore.
  • Clouds drift across the sky on a breezy day.
  • The conversation started with a clear topic but soon began to drift into unrelated subjects.
  • During the race, the driver managed to drift around the curve with incredible skill.
  • The snow began to drift against the windows after the heavy storm.
  • She felt her thoughts drift as she stared out the window during class.
  • Leaflets drifted down from the torn branch during the strong wind.
  • In the world of physics, particles may drift toward areas of lower concentration.

Usage notes

Use 'drift' when describing something that moves gradually or aimlessly, like a boat on water or thoughts in the mind. Avoid using it in very formal writing.

Grammar pattern

drift + adverb/ preposition

Memory hint

Think of a leaf drifting on a stream; it moves slowly and freely.

Collocations

  • slowly
  • helplessly
  • downstream
  • from
  • to
  • towards/​toward
  • aimlessly
  • gradually
  • slowly
  • begin to
  • seem to
  • allow something to
  • about
  • around
  • round
  • aimlessly
  • gradually
  • slowly
  • begin to
  • seem to
  • allow something to
  • about
  • around
  • round
  • aimlessly
  • gradually
  • slowly
  • begin to
  • seem to
  • allow something to
  • about
  • around
  • round
  • slowly
  • helplessly
  • downstream
  • from
  • to
  • towards/​toward

Synonyms

  • float
  • wandering
  • glide
  • roam
  • meander

Antonyms

  • settle
  • stay
  • anchor

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'drifted' as the only past tense; 'drift' can also be used in present.
  • Using 'drift' when describing sudden movements.
  • Mixing up with 'draft' in writing contexts.