be adrift

Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition

Verb phrase: - To be floating or moving without control or direction, typically on water or in air, carried by currents or winds. It describes a state of being unmoored, unanchored, or without propulsion.

Usage and Examples

The phrase "be adrift" describes a state rather than an intentional action. It often implies being lost, aimless, or without guidance.

  • Literal (Physical Movement):
    • After the storm, several small boats were adrift in the bay.
    • The hot air balloon was adrift, carried by unpredictable winds.
  • Figurative (Lack of Purpose/Plan):
    • Without clear goals, he felt adrift in his career.
    • The project was adrift after the team leader resigned.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
  • "Cast adrift": This is a common collocation meaning to be deliberately set loose or abandoned.
    • The damaged lifeboat was cast adrift from the main ship.
    • After the argument, he felt emotionally cast adrift from his family.
Variants and Related Words
  • Adrift (Adjective/Adverb): The standalone form used after verbs like , , .
    • The canoe was adrift. (adjective)
    • They set the raft adrift. (adverb)
  • Drift (Verb): The action of moving while adrift. "Be adrift" describes the state; "drift" describes the motion.
    • Compare: The boat drifted for days. (action) vs. The boat was adrift for days. (state).
Synonyms
  • Drift: To be carried along by currents.
  • Float: To rest on the surface of a liquid.
  • Be at the mercy of the elements: To be completely unprotected and controlled by natural forces (more idiomatic).
Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions
  • Cut adrift: To detach or separate, often figuratively.
    • The company cut the failing division adrift.
  • Set adrift: To cause something to become adrift.
    • They set the old boat adrift as a ceremonial gesture.
Related Idioms
  • All at sea: Confused and without direction (similar figurative meaning).
    • Without the instructions, I was all at sea.
  • Without a rudder: Lacking guidance or control.
    • The organization was without a rudder after the scandal.
Verb
  1. be in motion due to some air or water current
    • The leaves were blowing in the wind
    • the boat drifted on the lake
    • The sailboat was adrift on the open sea
    • the shipwrecked boat drifted away from the shore

Từ đồng nghĩa