Definition (noun) a force that moves something along
Definition (noun) the gradual departure from an intended course due to external influences (as a ship or plane)
Definition (noun) a process of linguistic change over a period of time
Definition (noun) a large mass of material that is heaped up by the wind or by water currents
Definition (noun) a general tendency to change (as of opinion)
Example Sentence
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not openly liberal but that is the trend of the book
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a broad movement of the electorate to the right
Definition (noun) the pervading meaning or tenor
Example Sentence
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caught the general drift of the conversation
Definition (noun) a horizontal (or nearly horizontal) passageway in a mine
Example Sentence
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they dug a drift parallel with the vein
Definition (verb) be in motion due to some air or water current
Example Sentence
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The leaves were blowing in the wind
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the boat drifted on the lake
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The sailboat was adrift on the open sea
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the shipwrecked boat drifted away from the shore
Definition (verb) wander from a direct course or at random
Example Sentence
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The child strayed from the path and her parents lost sight of her
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don't drift from the set course
Definition (verb) move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
Synonyms :
cast ,
ramble ,
range ,
roam ,
roll ,
rove ,
stray ,
swan ,
tramp ,
vagabond ,
wander
Example Sentence
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The gypsies roamed the woods
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roving vagabonds
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the wandering Jew
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The cattle roam across the prairie
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the laborers drift from one town to the next
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They rolled from town to town
Definition (verb) vary or move from a fixed point or course
Example Sentence
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stock prices are drifting higher
Definition (verb) live unhurriedly, irresponsibly, or freely
Example Sentence
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My son drifted around for years in California before going to law school
Definition (verb) move in an unhurried fashion
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The unknown young man drifted among the invited guests
Definition (verb) cause to be carried by a current
Example Sentence
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drift the boats downstream
Definition (verb) drive slowly and far afield for grazing
Example Sentence
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drift the cattle herds westwards
Definition (verb) be subject to fluctuation
Example Sentence
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The stock market drifted upward
Definition (verb) be piled up in banks or heaps by the force of wind or a current
Example Sentence
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snow drifting several feet high
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sand drifting like snow