Woolgathering

Woolgathering refers to the act of indulging in daydreaming or absentmindedness, often implying a state of reverie where one's thoughts are drifting away from immediate realities. It can also connote a sense of fanciful imagination, where a person escapes into illusions or whimsical thoughts, typically unproductive in nature and detached from practical concerns.

Woolgathering meaning with examples

• As I sat in the lecture hall, my mind drifted into woolgathering, completely absent from the subject being discussed. I found myself picturing a far-off beach, serene waves lapping at the shore, instead of focusing on the professor's dry lecture about economics. My imagination was a welcome escape from the mundane realities of student life.
• During the long train ride, I engaged in woolgathering, letting my mind wander through a vibrant tapestry of memories and dreams. Each passing landscape outside the window stirred a different recollection, from childhood adventures to future aspirations. It was a delightful experience, allowing me to reflect on my life's journey while the world moved steadily on.
• Her habit of woolgathering often got her into trouble at work. Instead of concentrating on the reports in front of her, she would lose herself in elaborate daydreams about traveling to exotic locations. While her imagination was vibrant and creative, her boss was less than impressed with her incomplete tasks and projects falling behind schedule.
• He was known for his woolgathering tendencies, especially during meetings. While others were focused on the agenda, his mind would start drifting to imaginary solutions for problems that didn't exist. Although his creativity was appreciated later on, his lack of attentiveness in the moment often led him to miss key decisions and discussions.