Definition

Adverb 1. To or at a distance; away from one's home, usual location, or the main subject. 2. In or into the field; outdoors, especially in a rural or agricultural area. 3. (Military) In or into the field of battle.

Usage and Examples

• Meaning 1 (Away, Distant):
  • The company is looking afield for new investment opportunities. (The company is searching in distant or foreign places.)
  • His argument wandered too far afield from the original topic. (His argument strayed too far from the main point.)
• Meaning 2 (In/Into the Field):
  • The farmers were afield at dawn to begin the harvest. (The farmers were out in the fields.)
  • She went afield to collect botanical samples. (She went out into the field/outdoors for her work.)
• Meaning 3 (Military):
  • The general led his troops afield to meet the enemy. (The general led his troops onto the battlefield.)

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• The adverb is most commonly used with modifiers like "far," "too far," "farther," or "further" to emphasize distance or deviation.
  • The search for a solution took the researchers far afield.
  • Let's not stray any further afield; we must focus on the core issue.
• It can describe both physical distance ("traveling far afield") and metaphorical distance from a topic or norm ("ideas from far afield").

Variants and Related Words

• Field (n): An area of open land, especially one used for agriculture, sports, or a particular activity. This is the root noun from which "afield" is derived.
• Field (v): To deal with or respond to something, especially skillfully (e.g., ). This is a distinct verb usage.

Synonyms

• Away
• Abroad
• Off
• Astray (especially with "far")
• Afar

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Far afield: At or to a great distance, either literally or figuratively. This is the most frequent collocation.
  • His research interests have taken him far afield from his original training in chemistry.
• To lead/go afield: To go out into the fields or countryside. (Somewhat archaic or literary.)
  • The shepherd led his flock afield each morning.

Adverb

1. off the subject; beyond the point at issue
   • such digressions can lead us too far afield
2. in or into a field (especially a field of battle)
   • the armies were afield, challenging the enemy's advance
   • unlawful to carry hunting rifles afield until the season opens
3. far away from home or one's usual surroundings
   • looking afield for new lands to conquer- R.A.Hall