C1verb 2K

Drift

🇬🇧 UK /["/drɪft/","/drɪfts/","/ˈdrɪftɪd/","/ˈdrɪftɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/drɪft/","/drɪfts/","/ˈdrɪftɪd/","/ˈdrɪftɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Drift

to move along smoothly and slowly in water or air

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

Drift in a sentence

• 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.

How to use Drift

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.

Related words

Collocations with Drift

• 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 for Drift

• float
• wandering
• glide
• roam
• meander

Opposites of Drift

• settle
• stay
• anchor

Common mistakes with Drift

• 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.

Frequently asked questions about Drift

What does Drift mean?

To move slowly or without a specific direction.

What is the definition of Drift?

to move along smoothly and slowly in water or air

How do you use Drift in a sentence?

The boat began to drift slowly away from the shore.

Can you give another example of Drift?

Clouds drift across the sky on a breezy day.

What are synonyms for Drift?

Common alternatives include float, wandering, glide, roam, meander.

What is the opposite of Drift?

Opposite meanings include settle, stay, anchor.

What words go with Drift?

It commonly pairs with 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.

What are common mistakes when using Drift?

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.

How do you pronounce Drift?

US: /["/drɪft/","/drɪfts/","/ˈdrɪftɪd/","/ˈdrɪftɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/drɪft/","/drɪfts/","/ˈdrɪftɪd/","/ˈdrɪftɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Drift?

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.

What CEFR level is Drift?

"Drift" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.