drift

• Nom désignant un mouvement ou un changement continu et progressif d'une position, d'une direction ou d'un état à un autre, souvent causé par des forces extérieures.

A noun referring to a continuous, gradual movement or change from one position, direction, or state to another, often caused by external forces.

1. Slow movementB1formal

   A slow, continuous movement from one place to another, often without control.

   dérive

   • The drift of the boat was caused by the current.
   • Snowdrifts blocked the road after the blizzard.
   • The drift of the clouds suggested a change in weather.

   Synonymesfloatflowglidemeanderslidewander

2. B2informal

   The general meaning or intention of what someone says or writes.

   Sens général, intention

   • I didn't catch every word, but I got the drift of his argument.
   • The drift of the conversation turned to politics.
   • She explained the drift of the plan in simple terms.

   Synonymesessencegistimportmeaningpurportsensesignificancetenorthrust

3. Geological depositB2formalscientific

   A large mass of material, such as sand or snow, deposited by wind or water.

   Dépôt géologique

   • The desert is covered with sand drifts.
   • Glacial drift consists of rocks and soil left behind by moving ice.
   • The wind created a drift of leaves against the fence.

   Synonymesaccumulationalluviumbankdepositheapmoundpilesediment

• Verbe désignant le fait de se déplacer lentement sous l'effet d'un courant d'air ou d'eau, ou de passer d'un lieu ou d'une situation à un autre sans but précis.

A verb used to indicate the act of being carried slowly by a current of air or water, or moving aimlessly from one place or situation to another.

1. Move slowly without controlB1formal

   To be carried along by currents of air or water, often without a clear direction.

   dériver

   • The boat began to drift away from the shore.
   • Leaves drifted slowly down the river.
   • The balloon drifted across the sky.

   Synonymesbobfloatglidewaft

2. B2formal

   To move or change gradually from one state, opinion, or situation to another.

   Évoluer progressivement

   • Their conversation drifted from politics to sports.
   • He drifted into a deep sleep.
   • The company's focus drifted away from its original mission.

   Synonymesgravitatemoveshiftslideveer

3. Wander aimlesslyB2informal

   To move or live without a clear purpose or plan.

   errer sans but

   • After college, he drifted from job to job.
   • She drifted through life without any real ambition.
   • They drifted around Europe for a few months.

   Synonymesamblefloatgallivantmeanderrambleroamstraywaftwander

   Antonymesdirectfocussettlesteer

Variantes phrasaldrift awaydrift off