B2verbrelationshipspsychology
US/drɪft/
UK/drɪft/
to move slowly without control or a clear direction, or to change gradually without planning
In context
The boat drifted slowly down the river as the sun went down.
After college, he drifted from one job to another without a plan.
During the long meeting, my mind began to drift to the weekend.
Words that go with drift
verb + adverb
- drift apartThey were close once, but they slowly drifted apart.
- drift awayThe smoke drifted away on the wind.
- drift slowlyThe clouds drifted slowly across the sky.
- drift aimlesslyHe drifted aimlessly through his twenties.
verb + preposition
- drift off to sleepShe drifted off to sleep during the film.
- drift intoSome students drift into teaching without really choosing it.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
We drifted apart with each other.Correct: We drifted apart.