Awayness

Awayness (noun) describes the state of being distant, removed, or detached from a specific place, person, activity, or emotional state. It signifies a disconnection, whether physical, mental, or emotional. awayness can manifest as physical absence, a mental wandering, or an emotional disengagement. This state can be temporary, reflecting a short-term departure, or enduring, representing a chronic separation or lack of involvement. It encompasses feelings of isolation, estrangement, or a conscious choice to withdraw from a particular situation. The degree of awayness varies; it can range from a slight distraction to a complete and profound alienation, impacting perspective and engagement.

Awayness meaning with examples

• The speaker’s persistent awayness from the group, always staring out the window, made it hard to include him in the discussions. His body was present, but his mind clearly was not, generating a sense of isolation within the meeting.
• After the traumatic experience, she felt a profound awayness from the world, finding it difficult to connect with anyone or anything, unable to shake the feeling of detachment that lingered, shaping her everyday life.
• The artist cultivated an awayness from commercial pressures, choosing to live in a remote studio to maintain artistic integrity. His focus remained on his creative work, with little concern for trends or market demands, allowing for creative freedom.
• Despite being surrounded by family, he experienced an unsettling awayness from his loved ones, experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation despite the physical proximity and mutual care. He felt that this disconnection would soon erode their relationship.
• She noticed a subtle awayness in the doctor's demeanor, as if he were detached from the conversation, offering a diagnosis without looking at her. This created mistrust and a feeling of being unheard and not cared for properly.