drift apart
DRIFT uh-PART
/drɪft əˈpɑːt/
To gradually become less friendly or close to someone.
Implies a slow, unintentional process rather than a sudden argument.
The story behind the word. The word 'drift' comes from the Old Norse 'drift', meaning a snowdrift or something driven by the wind. It evokes the image of two boats floating away from each other on a current.
Word relationships
- estrange: Estrange is much more formal and often implies a bitter or deliberate separation.
- grow apart: Grow apart is almost identical but focuses on the change in the individuals.
- bond: Bonding is the process of becoming closer.
Commonly confused with
- break up: Break up is the final act of ending a relationship; drift apart is the process.
Collocations
- slowly drift apart
- drift apart from each other
- begin to drift apart
Example sentences
- "After high school, many friends naturally drift apart as they head for different cities." Reflecting on old friendships.
- "They didn't fight much; they just seemed to drift apart over the years." A marriage losing its spark.
Memory hook
Think of two icebergs floating in different directions in the ocean. Drift apart like boats at sea.
When not to use
Not used for a sudden breakup; it describes the long period leading up to it.
Fun facts
- The term is frequently used in psychology to describe 'relational maintenance' failures.
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