Drifted

The past tense of the verb 'drift', meaning to be carried slowly by a current of water or air, or to move slowly and aimlessly from place to place. It can also describe a gradual or unconscious change in a situation or direction. This implies a lack of control or a passive movement influenced by external forces. Often suggests a lack of purpose or destination, a meandering journey driven by circumstance rather than deliberate choice. The movement can be literal, as with an object on the water, or figurative, describing changes in opinions, relationships, or even one's mental state.

Drifted meaning with examples

• The sailboat drifted aimlessly across the calm sea, its sails slack and unresponsive to the light breeze. The crew waited for a stronger wind to resume their course, their journey temporarily suspended by the currents. They felt a peaceful calm overcome them as they drifted away from their intended destination.
• As the argument subsided, the conversation drifted to lighter topics, avoiding any mention of the issue. The focus was to keep things positive, and the two people conversing slowly lost the intensity of the dispute. The need to smooth things over was important in the situation.
• After years of friendship, their paths drifted apart as they pursued different careers and established families. Regular contact ceased as different paths arose in life. Their shared memories seemed distant and faded by time, the initial connection no longer sustained.
• She realized her mind had drifted during the lecture; thoughts of the upcoming vacation had eclipsed the professor's words. This was caused by lack of focus and boredom due to the topic. The distraction pulled her attention to the end of the semester.