adrift
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /əˈdrɪft/
KK: /əˈdrɪft/
adjective
Definition
Not being held in place or controlled, often floating freely without direction or support.
Example
After the storm, the boat was left adrift in the open sea.
Conversation
Have you ever felt completely adrift in life?
Yeah, I think we all go through phases like that.
It's tough when you don't have a clear direction.
Definitely! Finding support can really help you get back on track.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
lost
unmoored
floating
Antonyms
anchored
secured
tethered
adverb
Definition
Floating or drifting without being tied down or anchored; lacking direction or purpose.
Example
After the storm, the boat was left adrift in the ocean.
Conversation
I feel like I’m just floating through life, a bit adrift lately.
I totally get that. It can be tough to find direction sometimes.
Yeah, sometimes I wonder if I should make a big change.
Root Explanation
Adrift is formed from "a-" (meaning away from) and "drift" (from Old English "driftan", meaning to drive or to float). The word describes something that is floating away or not anchored in place.
Memory Tip
Imagine something that is floating 'away from' its intended path — 'a-' means away, and 'drift' refers to floating. This helps you remember that 'adrift' means being lost or floating without direction.
Visually Confused Words
drift
drifty
adroit
rift
adit