Definition

1. Verb (intransitive):
   • To leave a place or situation, often with a resulting impression, feeling, or condition. This meaning focuses on the state or consequence experienced upon departure.
   • To become detached or separated from something. This meaning focuses on a physical separation.

Usage

• The verb "come away" is used without a direct object. It describes the action of the subject.
• It is often followed by a prepositional phrase (e.g., , ) or an adjective describing a state (e.g., , ).

Examples

• Meaning 1 (Leave with a condition/impression):
  • We came away from the lecture feeling inspired.
  • She came away from the negotiation empty-handed.
  • I hope you come away with a better understanding of the process.
• Meaning 2 (Become detached):
  • The handle came away in my hand when I pulled it.
  • A large piece of plaster came away from the ceiling.

Advanced Usage

• "come away from": This phrasal construction is very common, specifying the source or event that is being left.
  • It's important to come away from a failure with lessons learned.
• The phrase can imply an unintended or accidental detachment in its second meaning.
  • The label came away easily, leaving no residue.

Variants and Related Words

• Come off (phrasal verb): Can be a synonym for the detachment meaning (e.g., ). It also has other meanings related to succeeding or happening.
• Depart (verb): A more formal synonym for leaving.
• Detach (verb): The direct action of separating something. ("Come away" describes the state of detached).

Synonyms

• Leave, depart, withdraw (for meaning 1).
• Separate, detach, break off (for meaning 2).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Come away with: A specific form of the first meaning, emphasizing what is gained, acquired, or retained mentally or physically upon leaving.
  • What did you come away with from the discussion? (What idea or conclusion did you gain?)
  • He came away with the championship trophy.

Related Idioms

• None that use "come away" as a fixed unit with a highly figurative meaning beyond the definitions above. The meanings are relatively literal.

Verb

1. leave in a certain condition
   • She came away angry
2. come to be detached
   • His retina detached and he had to be rushed into surgery