drift

Everyday

1. To drift means to be carried slowly along by water or air, without control. tree →
2. To drift means to move or change slowly without a plan: drift off to sleep, drift apart. tree →
3. A drift is a big pile of snow or sand blown by the wind. tree →
4. The drift of what someone says is its general meaning. tree →

In the lessons

In geography and science, boats, leaves and icebergs drift on water; continents slowly drift over millions of years. In winter, snowdrifts block roads. In safety lessons at the beach, inflatables can drift out to sea, so stay close to shore. Phrases: drift off, drift apart, snowdrift, get the drift.

Examples

• The boat drifted down the river. tree →
• Leaves drifted slowly to the ground. tree →
• I drifted off to sleep during the film. tree →
• The snow made huge drifts by the door. tree →
• Don't let your inflatable drift out to sea. tree →
• The continents drift very slowly. tree →
• Do you get my drift? tree →
• The boat drifted farther and farther away. tree →

Note

Regular verb: drifted. Countable noun: a drift, drifts; snowdrift is one word. Safety: if you drift out at sea, stay calm, float, wave and shout for help; don't swim against a rip current.