astray etymology

Etymology:

  • Old English "āstrēowian," meaning "to wander" or "to stray."
  • Cognate with Dutch "astreuen," German "verstreuen," and Swedish "förströ."
  • Ultimately derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*streu-," meaning "to scatter" or "to spread."

Meaning and Origin:

The word "astray" originally described a sheep that had wandered from the flock. It derives from the Late Middle English term "astrey(e)," meaning "away from the right path." The word has since been extended to other contexts to refer to any act of straying from the proper course or direction.

Usage:

  • "The lost sheep wandered astray in the wilderness."
  • "The traveler went astray on the unfamiliar road."
  • "He was led astray by false promises and temptations."
  • "Her mind was filled with stray thoughts and distractions."
  • "Don't let them lead you astray with their lies."

astray relate terms

  • stray

    Etymology Stray derives from Middle English straien meaning to wander or to stra

  • street

    Street Etymology Street etymology refers to the informal folk explanation of the origin

  • extravagant

    Etymology The word extravagant comes from the Late Latin word extravagans which mea

  • stray

    Etymology Stray derives from Middle English straien meaning to wander or to stra

  • stray

    Etymology Stray derives from Middle English straien meaning to wander or to stra

  • astray

    Etymology Old English āstrēowian meaning to wander or to stray Cognate with D

  • wide

    Etymology The word wide derives from the Old English wid and its Proto Germanic root

  • error

    Etymology The word error is derived from the Latin word errare meaning to wander o

  • vary

    Etymology Middle English verien from Old French varier from Late Latin variare fr

  • miscarry

    Etymology Middle English miscarien from Old French mescharrier miscarry fail mism

  • catechesis

    Etymology The word catechesis is derived from the Greek word katēchēsis which mean

  • tarot

    Etymology The word tarot is derived from the Italian word tarocchi which in turn ori

  • divination

    Etymology The word divination originates from the Latin word divinatio which is deri