drifting

[ˈdɹɪftɪŋ]

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An argument or disagreement between people can cause drifting apart, like two boats floating away from each other. Drifting also means slowly moving or going somewhere without planning or direction.

When we talk about relationships, "drifting" usually refers to a situation where people start to lose interest in one another or grow apart over time. It might happen when couples don't communicate as much or make time for each other anymore. For example, if a couple used to spend all their free time together but now they only meet occasionally, it could be said that their relationship has started drifting apart. In this sense, drifting is often used to describe the slow process of disconnection and separation in personal relationships.

The word "drifting" can also refer to an action or behavior where someone is slowly moving or going somewhere without a specific goal or direction in mind. For instance, if you're driving on the highway and your GPS doesn't guide you towards any particular destination, you might start drifting off course.

How common is "drifting"?

Word drifting is considered rare in modern English.
It appears most frequently in fiction texts and less often in other writings.

Definitions

verb

To move slowly, especially pushed by currents of water, air, etc.
Example: The balloon was drifting in the breeze.
To move haphazardly without any destination.
Example: He drifted from town to town, never settling down.
To deviate gently from the intended direction of travel.
Example: This car tends to drift left at high speeds.
To drive or carry, as currents do a floating body.
To drive into heaps.
Example: A current of wind drifts snow or sand
To accumulate in heaps by the force of wind; to be driven into heaps.
Example: Snow or sand drifts.
To make a drift; to examine a vein or ledge for the purpose of ascertaining the presence of metals or ores; to follow a vein; to prospect.
To enlarge or shape, as a hole, with a drift.
To oversteer a vehicle, causing loss of traction, while maintaining control from entry to exit of a corner. See Drifting (motorsport).

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noun

The act by which something drifts.
That which drifts.
A driving technique where the driver intentionally oversteers, causing loss of traction in the rear wheels, while maintaining control from entry to exit of a corner.

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adjective

Moving aimlessly or at the mercy of external forces.
Example: The drifting seaweed went wherever the currents carried it.
Without direction, focus, or goal.

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Real examples of "drifting" in context

Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts* | Teaser Trailer

Trailers

I'm just drifting.

0:56

Avengers Cast on Premiere, Favorite Lines, Matching Tattoos & Birthday Gifts

Interview

I have a weird true story to tell you. Last night in my haze as I was drifting in and out of sleep, I thought, what if Ant-Man just shrunk down to a microscopic size and went into the veins of Thanos and then messed up Thanos' brain?

15:14