noun
drift
drihft
noun
1
A slow, gradual movement or change, often without direct control.
"There has been a gradual drift toward remote work."
"The boat's drift carried it away from the dock."
2
A large mound of snow, sand, or debris piled up by wind or current.
"The road was blocked by a snow drift after the storm."
3
The general meaning or intention of something said.
"I didn't catch every word, but I got the drift."
verb
1
To move slowly and without control, carried by wind, water, or circumstance.
"The raft drifted downstream overnight."
"His attention drifted during the long meeting."
How to Use Drift
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSlow, passive movement — whether it's snow piling up, a boat floating off course, or a conversation's general point.
Common mistake
"Drift off" usually means falling asleep, not literally floating away.
Common pairings
drift apart
snow drift
get the drift
drift off
Word Forms
drifted past tense, drifts plural, drifts singular
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There has been a gradual _____ toward remote work.