Word
straying
Phoneticsstray·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈstɹeɪɪŋ/
UK/stɹˈeɪɪŋ/
Definition
v. to move away from the correct path or place by accident. You can also use it to describe losing focus on a topic while speaking or writing.
v. to deviate from a direct course, a fixed location, or a specific subject of discussion. Often implies a lack of intention or a loss of concentration.
Examples
“The sheep are straying away from the rest of the flock.”
“The lecturer apologized for straying from the main topic and quickly returned to the lesson plan.”
“While the hikers were initially confident, they soon realized they were straying into dangerous territory as the dense fog obscured the trail markers.”
Examples
simple
“The sheep are straying away from the rest of the flock.”
contextual
“The lecturer apologized for straying from the main topic and quickly returned to the lesson plan.”
complex
“While the hikers were initially confident, they soon realized they were straying into dangerous territory as the dense fog obscured the trail markers.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “straying” in context.
Verb
01. stray far afield
“We should focus on the local issues rather than straying too far afield.”
verb + adv
02. stray from path
“The hikers were warned not to stray from the path during the fog.”
verb + prep + noun
03. stray from topic
“The speaker kept straying from the topic, making it hard to follow his argument.”
verb + prep + noun
04. stray into territory
“The conversation began to stray into dangerous territory when politics was mentioned.”
verb + prep + noun
05. stray from the point
“Please try not to stray from the point so we can finish the meeting on time.”
06. stray from the truth
“His account of the events began to stray from the truth under cross-examination.”
07. stray onto private land
“The cattle had strayed onto private land through a hole in the fence.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'from' to indicate the original path or topic.
Real-World Examples
“The bird has strayed thousands of miles from its native range in East Asia over the last two years, roving from the Denali Highway in Alaska down to a potential sighting South Texas before moving eastward and back north to Canada and New England.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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