Definition

Verb (phrasal verb): - To gradually become less close, friendly, or involved with someone over time, often due to changing circumstances, interests, or life paths. It implies a slow, almost imperceptible process of growing distant.

Usage

This phrasal verb is used to describe the natural, gradual end of a relationship or friendship, not a sudden argument or breakup. It is intransitive and often used with plural subjects (e.g., they, we, friends) or a singular subject followed by from (e.g., he drifted apart from...).

Examples

• Basic Usage:
  • After high school, many close friends drift apart as they go to different colleges.
  • They were inseparable as children, but they've drifted apart over the years.
• With 'from':
  • She gradually drifted apart from her old colleagues after changing careers.

Advanced Usage / Nuances

• The phrase often carries a tone of nostalgia or quiet sadness, acknowledging the change as a natural part of life rather than a conflict.
• It can describe the distancing in any personal relationship: friendships, family ties, or romantic partnerships.
• "to drift apart" vs. "to break up": "Drift apart" suggests a slow fading, while "break up" implies a more definite, often deliberate, end to a romantic relationship.

Variants and Related Words

• Drift (verb): To be carried along by currents of air or water; to move or progress passively without a clear direction. This is the core meaning from which the phrasal verb derives its sense of passive, gradual change.
• Grow apart (phrasal verb): A very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "drift apart." It may place slightly more emphasis on internal changes (e.g., in personality or interests) as the cause.

Synonyms

• Grow apart: To become less close due to developing different attitudes or interests.
• Become distant: To become less emotionally connected.
• Lose touch: To gradually stop communicating with someone.

Antonyms

• Grow closer: To become more intimate or friendly.
• Stay in touch: To maintain contact and communication.
• Reconnect: To establish a connection again after a period of being apart.

Related Idioms / Phrases

• Go their separate ways: To start living different lives, often leading to drifting apart.
  • After the project ended, the team went their separate ways.

Verb

1. lose personal contact over time
   • The two women, who had been roommates in college, drifted apart after they got married