ENGLISH
REFERENCE

drifted

v.
B1 Intermediate US //ˈdɹɪftəd// UK //dɹˈɪftɪd// drift·ed

v. moved slowly and steadily, often because of water, wind, or a lack of focus. You use this when something travels without a clear plan or engine.

v. carried along by currents of air or water; moved aimlessly or without a fixed goal. The past tense of 'drift'.


SIMPLE

The small boat drifted away from the shore.

CONTEXTUAL

After the engine failed, the ship drifted aimlessly in the open sea for several hours.

COMPLEX

As the lecture continued, his attention drifted from the complex equations on the board to the rhythmic patter of rain against the windowpane.

Synonyms
Usage

Intransitive; does not take a direct object. Often followed by prepositions of direction such as 'away', 'towards', or 'into'.

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