wandering off meaning

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What does the phrasal verb “wander off” mean?

What are the definitions of “wander off”.

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

She WANDERED OFF and got lost in the crowd.

The lecture was boring and my mind WANDERED OFF after ten minutes.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “wander off”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb wander off is to leave a place, often without telling others or without a specific purpose. It can also mean to stop paying attention to something, such as during a conversation or a lecture.

What are the different verb forms of “wander off”?

The child wandered off while his parents were shopping.

She often wanders off during long meetings.

He is wandering off again, daydreaming instead of focusing on his work.

Yesterday, the dog wandered off and we had to search for hours to find him.

He had wandered off so many times that his friends started to worry about him.

What kind of phrasal verb is “wander off”?

Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Intransitive verb

“wander off” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

She wandered off during the party.

My mind wandered off during the lecture.

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“wander off” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “wander off”?

Wander off the point

To start talking about something unrelated to the main topic or subject.

During the meeting, he wandered off the point and started discussing his vacation plans.

Wander off the path

To deviate from a planned or expected course, either physically or metaphorically.

She wandered off the path and found herself in a beautiful, hidden garden.

Wander off in thought

To become lost in one's thoughts, often while ignoring the present situation.

He wandered off in thought, daydreaming about his upcoming vacation.

Good things to know

Does “wander off” have an informal or formal tone.

Wander off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the context.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “wander off”?

Antonyms for {keyword}.

• concentrate
• pay attention

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English [ edit ]

Verb [ edit ].

wander off ( third-person singular simple present wanders off , present participle wandering off , simple past and past participle wandered off )

• To wander away from somewhere . He got bored and wandered off .

Translations [ edit ]

• English lemmas
• English verbs
• English phrasal verbs
• English phrasal verbs with particle (off)
• English multiword terms
• English terms with usage examples
• English predicates
• English terms with non-redundant non-automated sortkeys
• English entries with language name categories using raw markup

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Wander Off Definition

To wander away from somewhere .

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Words Starting With

Words ending with, unscrambles, words starting with w and ending with f, word length, words near wander off in the dictionary.

• wandering spleen
• wandering-spider
• wandering-star
• wanderlusty

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verb as in stray

Strongest matches

Strong matches

Weak matches

• be abandoned
• go all over the map
• lose one's way
• wander away

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Related words.

Words related to wander off are not direct synonyms, but are associated with the word wander off . Browse related words to learn more about word associations.

verb as in wander; get lost

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On this page you'll find 26 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to wander off, such as: deviate, drift, err, meander, roam, and swerve.

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

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Definition of wandering

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of wandering  (Entry 2 of 2)

• digressional
• digressionary

Examples of wandering in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wandering.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing wandering

wandering albatross

• wandering dude
• wandering eye
• wandering Jew

Dictionary Entries Near wandering

Cite this entry.

“Wandering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wandering. Accessed 22 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

Medical definition of wandering.

Medical Definition of wandering  (Entry 2 of 2)

More from Merriam-Webster on wandering

Nglish: Translation of wandering for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of wandering for Arabic Speakers

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Meaning of wandering in English

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wander verb ( MOVE AROUND )

• walk The baby has just learned to walk.
• stride She strode purposefully up to the desk and demanded to speak to the manager.
• march He marched right in to the office and demanded to see the governor.
• stroll We strolled along the beach.
• wander She wandered from room to room, not sure of what she was looking for.
• amble She ambled down the street, looking in shop windows.
• crawl There'd been a bad accident on the motorway and traffic was crawling.
• trundle Lorries trundle through the narrow lanes.
• creep He crept downstairs, hardly making any noise.
• trudge They trudged wearily through the snow.
• stroll We spent the afternoon strolling around Budapest.
• amble He ambled over to the window.
• Don't worry if you lose hold of the reins - the horse won't wander off.
• He wandered around, clearing up in a desultory way.
• We wandered along the shore , stepping over the flotsam that had washed up in the night .
• We wandered through the beautifully proportioned rooms of the Winter Palace.
• She was wandering around in a daze this morning .
• His eyes wandered over the posters adorning the walls .
• dumbwalking

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

wander verb ( SUBJECT )

• bury the lede idiom
• candy coating
• candy-coated
• circumlocution
• circumlocutory
• gloss over something
• go off on a tangent idiom
• mealy-mouthed
• prevaricate
• unexpressed

Related word

Examples of wandering.

In English, many past and present participles of verbs can be used as adjectives. Some of these examples may show the adjective use.

Word of the Day

the act of an animal running around, sometimes in circles, in a very energetic way

Binding, nailing, and gluing: talking about fastening things together

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Dream Glossary

Wandering Off – Dream Meaning and Symbolism

People often dream of wandering off somewhere when they are facing some sort of change or a new phase in life.

Interpretations of these dreams depend on the context in which they occur and the details or feelings that follow them.

Dreams with such motifs are characterized by fear and panic, while feelings of freedom and amazement are rare.

To dream of wandering somewhere off alone

If you are dreaming of wandering somewhere off completely alone, there is a chance that you need peace to clear your mind and decide what you want to do about the situation that you got yourself into.

Your life is chaotic at the moment, and you are confused because of the previous events.

It is important to be in solitude so you can think about your next move well.

Dreaming of wandering somewhere off with friends

Wandering somewhere off in a dream with a group of friends or in the company of a loved one symbolizes your need to reveal your secrets to someone.

There is something that bothers you a lot, but you don’t know if you should share it with anyone.

It would be best if you could confide in someone you trust.

You would take off at least a part of the burden you feel all the time.

Wandering somewhere off with a stranger in a dream

When you are dreaming of wandering somewhere off in the company of a stranger, it means that you long for new acquaintanceships.

You don’t have anything in common with the people you have been hanging out with so far. It seems to you like you have outgrown them.

You have entirely different interests now and need someone to share that with.

You don’t have a reason not to look for new friends.

Dreaming about wandering off in the pitch dark

Wandering off in the pitch dark in a dream means that you are pretending to be brave so that your loved ones wouldn’t worry about you.

You are probably facing changes in your life, which is why you are afraid of what the future has in store for you, but you don’t want to share that with people close to you.

You have caused some situations, and you believe that it is only fair to go through them alone.

To dream of wandering off in the fog

If you are dreaming of trying to find the road even though it is covered in fog, it means that someone is sabotaging you.

It seems to you that people are setting your ideas to failure without thinking.

Envy probably doesn’t let them admit that you are better at something than them. You can’t do anything else but continue fighting for yourself.

Dreaming of wandering off in the moonlight

If you are dreaming of wandering off in the moonlight, it means that you could soon get an idea of how to solve one big problem.

We are talking about something that has been bothering you for a long time, and just when you start to believe that you have tried everything out, something good will come to your mind.

Everything will become a lot easier and simpler after that.

Meaning of wandering off into the attic or basement in a dream

When you are dreaming of wandering off into the attic or basement, it means that the following period will be full of challenges.

You will probably do something that doesn’t make you feel good or have a job that is not bringing wanted results.

You will have to be persistent to build the foundation for a better future.

To dream of wandering through a city

If you are dreaming of wandering through a city, it means that you will finish a project started a long time ago.

That probably has something to do with an exam or a business project that covers something that doesn’t interest you.

You will do it because other people will demand that from you, after which you will feel great relief.

Wandering off outside of a city in a dream

If you are dreaming of wandering off outside of a city, it means that all of your efforts are in vain.

There is a chance that you will invest money or time into someone, but they will not meet your expectations.

You will not wonder if your demands are too high but conclude that that person is not ambitious enough and that you don’t deserve to be upset because of them.

To dream about wandering through a village

Wandering through a village in a dream means that you will not cope well with a new environment.

You might have to leave the town you currently live in for school or work, but that change will not suit you.

You will constantly long for your city and people.

There is even a chance that nostalgia will bring you back home.

Wandering through a graveyard in a dream

If you are dreaming of wandering through a graveyard, it means that dark thoughts have occupied your mind.

You have become depressed and lifeless for some reason.

You don’t have either the energy or will to face everyday worries or finish your chores.

Luckily, this phase will not last for long. You will be your old self again soon.

Dreaming of wandering through a monastery

Wandering through a monastery in a dream usually means that you have neglected spiritual things because of the material ones.

You have put money and work before family, friends, and relatives, and now you miss them.

It is time to start appreciating the love, attention, and support of your loved ones more than your career and money.

To dream of wandering through a desert

A dream in which you are wandering through a desert suggests that you believe that no one understands you.

You don’t have the support of people you love for the things you want to do. They have always supported you, but you have gone too far this time.

Ask yourself who is right – you or ten different people who are advising you to give up on your idea.

Wandering the mountains in a dream

When you are dreaming of wandering the mountains, it means that you have to be careful when it comes to power.

You will probably experience fame or honor getting to your head. You will start to think that there is no mission impossible and fall into a trap.

After flying high, the fall could be really painful. It would be best to remember where you are from and look back at your humble beginnings.

That will get you down to earth safely.

The symbolism of wandering the beach in a dream

Wandering the beach in a dream means that you will have to postpone a trip you have been looking forward to because certain situations will force you to do it.

Even though you will be sorry, you will also know that you don’t have another choice.

However, don’t despair because a new opportunity will come again soon.

To dream of wandering through a castle

If you are dreaming of wandering through a castle, that symbolizes the loss of control over your own life.

Things at work or home are probably not the way you have wanted and planned.

You will face various problems, and the stress could jeopardize your mental and physical health. It is time for changes.

They might be painful, but you are in a situation where you can’t choose.

Interpretation of dream about wandering through a construction site

When you are dreaming of wandering through an abandoned construction site, it means that you will not accept a good business offer.

Fear will probably stop you from doing that, even though you will later regret your decision.

After you see how much some people have profited from such a business, you will be sorry for being a coward.

You might try to get involved in that later, but you will not succeed.

Dreaming of wandering through an incinerator

Wandering through a surface that has recently burned down or gotten destroyed means that you will be late for an important meeting or exam.

There is a chance that you have been stressed out for days because of upcoming obligations, which is why you are not sleeping well.

Your alarm clock has to go off a few times before you raise your head from the pillow.

You are starting each new day extremely tired, which will affect the job you do or your schoolwork negatively.

Wandering through the prison in a dream

A dream in which you are wandering through the prison means that you have to face your fears.

You have been sticking your head under the sand for too long, hoping that your problems will disappear on their own.

That will not happen, and you will have to make sure to solve them, so stop postponing the inevitable and get to work before it is too late.

To dream of wandering through space

This dream means that you are lost in your wishes, whims, and ambitions.

You are fantasizing about so many things that you can’t straighten your priorities. It is time to make a plan that will help you achieve at least one of the things you want.

You should apply the same method to every wish you have. That is the only way to achieve everything you want.

Meaning of wandering through a forest in a dream

When you are dreaming of wandering through a forest, it means that you are getting back on the right track.

You will probably realize that you are wrong and apologize to everyone you have hurt.

You will realize that those people have criticized you for your good, while those who have supported you when you were hurting yourself are your enemies.

Dreaming about getting lost in the field

If you are dreaming of getting lost in the field, that symbolizes infidelity.

There is a chance that you will like someone who you have recently met. If you are married or in a relationship, you will be confused and not know what to do.

You will hardly wait to see that person and act differently, which is why your loved ones will start to believe that something is going on between you two.

To dream of someone that you love wandering off

When you are dreaming of someone you love wandering off somewhere, it means that you will be a smartass.

You will probably criticize someone for doing something bad and tell them what they should have done after that event ends.

You will feel the need to state your opinion even though no one will have use for it.

The meanings of dreams can be more trivial. If you have recently wandered through a city, forest, or village, that has made a strong impression on you.

Synonyms of 'wander off something' in British English

• wander off something

Additional synonyms

Browse alphabetically wander off something.

• All ENGLISH synonyms that begin with 'W'

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