Langimage
English

drifting

|drift-ing|

B2

/ˈdrɪftɪŋ/

(drift)

slow movement

Base FormPluralPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent Participle
driftdriftsdriftersdriftsdrifteddrifteddrifting
Etymology
Etymology Information

'drift' originates from Old Norse, specifically the word 'drifa', where 'drifa' meant 'to drive or push'.

Historical Evolution

'drifa' changed from Old Norse to the Middle English word 'driften', and eventually became the modern English word 'drift'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to drive or push', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to be carried slowly by a current'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the act or process of drifting.

The drifting of the snow created beautiful patterns.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 1

the present participle form of 'drift', meaning to be carried slowly by a current of air or water.

The boat was drifting down the river.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35