This means moving slowly and without control in water or air. It is often used to show something that is not moving by itself but goes with the wind or water.
The boat drifted across the lake.
Leaves drift on the autumn wind.
This means for ideas or talk to slowly move to different topics without clear control. It describes the way conversations or thoughts can change without planning.
Our talk drifted to old stories.
Her thoughts drifted during class.
This means people or groups slowly stop being close or connected. The distance or difference grows slowly and naturally over time.
They drifted away after high school.
Friends can drift apart with time.
This is a noun meaning a big pile of snow or sand made by wind. It shows something pushed and heaped up naturally.
There was a big snow drift by the house.
Sand drifts covered the desert ground.
This means the main or general meaning you understand from something said or written. It is often used when someone misses or gets the main idea.
I didn’t catch the drift of his words.
The drift of the story was about hope.
This is a scientific meaning where parts of the Earth's surface move slowly over time. It is used in geology and earth science.
Plate drift causes earthquakes.
The continent drift changed Earth's map.
This means to slide a car sideways on purpose during driving. It is often used in sports and games where drivers control the car's slide.
He drifted the car around the corner.
Drifting is fun in racing games.