Reading Theme:
Drift Apart: Meaning, Examples, and Usage (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：become distant (drift apart)
drift apart
/drɪft əˈpɑːrt/
phr.v.
To gradually become less close or connected with someone, often because of different life paths or interests.
become distant
➕
/bɪˈkʌm ˈdɪstənt/
phr.v.
To gradually lose emotional closeness or connection with someone, typically due to changing circumstances or interests.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
'Drift' from Old English 'drifan' (to drive) + 'apart' from Latin 'a parte' (from the side).
💡 Mnemonic
Picture two leaves on a pond slowly moving away from each other—they drift apart over time.
📖 Example
After graduating, they moved to different cities and drifted apart over the years.
After graduating, they moved to different cities and drifted apart over the years.
🔗 Collocations
drift apart from someone – to gradually become less close to a person
slowly drift apart – to separate gradually over time
begin to drift apart – to start losing connection
🔄 Synonyms
grow apart (phr.v.) – to become less close over time
separate (v.) – to part ways or become detached
estrange (v.) – to cause someone to become distant or unfriendly
🚫 Antonyms
grow closer (phr.v.) – to become more intimate or connected
bond (v.) – to form a strong emotional connection
unite (v.) – to come together as one
📖 Cultural Story
The phrase 'drift apart' gained popularity in the 19th century as a nautical metaphor for gradual separation, later applied to relationships.
Meaning 2：separate gradually (drift apart)
drift apart
/drɪft əˈpɑːrt/
phr.v.
To slowly move away from something else because of currents, wind, or other natural forces.
separate gradually
➕
/ˈsɛpəˌreɪt ˈɡrædʒuəli/
phr.v.
To slowly move away from each other due to external forces such as water currents or wind.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
As the ice melted, the two large icebergs began to drift apart on the calm sea.
As the ice melted, the two large icebergs began to drift apart on the calm sea.
🔗 Collocations
drift apart on the water – to float away from each other on a liquid surface
gradually drift apart – to separate slowly over time
cause to drift apart – to make something separate by natural forces
🔄 Synonyms
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