drift away

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Definition

Verb Phrase: - To gradually become less close, involved, or connected with someone or something over time, often without a specific conflict or dramatic event. It implies a slow, natural separation due to changing circumstances, interests, or life paths.

Usage

This phrasal verb is used to describe the process of relationships or connections fading due to distance, lack of communication, or diverging lives. It is intransitive and often followed by "from." - Pattern: Subject + drift away (from + someone/something) - It describes a passive, gradual process rather than a deliberate act.

Examples
  • After moving to different cities, the old friends slowly drifted away from each other.
  • Without common interests to discuss, he felt himself drifting away from the group.
  • It's sad how siblings can drift away over the years.
Advanced Usage
  • Emotional or Mental Disconnection: Can describe losing touch with one's own feelings, goals, or a community.
    • After the scandal, the politician began to drift away from his core supporters.
    • During the long meditation, she let her thoughts drift away.
Variants and Related Words
  • Drift apart: A very close synonym, often used specifically for relationships (e.g., friends, couples) becoming distant.
    • They were inseparable in school but drifted apart in their twenties.
  • Drift off: To fall asleep gradually.
    • He drifted off while listening to the rain.
Synonyms
  • Become distant: To grow less close or friendly.
  • Lose touch: To cease to be in contact or communication with someone.
  • Grow apart: To gradually develop different interests or opinions, leading to separation.
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Drift into: To enter a state or situation gradually or without conscious planning.
    • He drifted into a career in teaching almost by accident.
  • Drift toward: To move slowly in the direction of something, either literally or figuratively.
    • The conversation drifted toward more serious topics.
Related Idioms
  • Go (their) separate ways: To end a relationship or association and pursue different paths.
    • After graduation, they went their separate ways and eventually drifted away.
Verb
  1. lose personal contact over time
    • The two women, who had been roommates in college, drifted apart after they got married

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