Word: Veering
Part of Speech: Verb (to veer)
Definition: To "veer" means to suddenly change direction or move away from a straight path. It can refer to physical movement, like a car turning, or more abstract ideas, like changing one's opinion or focus unexpectedly.
Usage Instructions: - Use "veer" when describing a sudden change in direction. - It can be used in both literal (like vehicles) and figurative contexts (like ideas or conversations).
Example: - Literal: "The car veered to the left to avoid hitting a dog." - Figurative: "During the discussion, her thoughts veered away from the main topic."
Advanced Usage: In more advanced contexts, "veering" can be used in discussions about decision-making processes or narratives where a character's focus or intention shifts unexpectedly.
Word Variants: - Noun: Veer (the act of veering), veering (the action of changing direction) - Adjective: Veering (as in a veering motion)
Different Meanings:While "veering" primarily means to change direction, it can also signify a shift in attitude or approach. For example, "His arguments veered towards the emotional."
Synonyms: - Change - Turn - Shift - Diverge - Swerve
Idioms:There aren't specific idioms using "veer," but you can use phrases like "veer off course" which means to go in a different direction than planned.
Phrasal Verbs:"Veer away from" is a common phrase that means to move away from a certain topic or direction. For example, "We veered away from the main issue during the meeting."
Summary: "Veering" is about sudden changes in direction, whether physical or metaphorical. Remember that it can describe both tangible movements and shifts in thoughts or conversations.