drifted

Drifted is the past tense and past participle of the verb drift. In English, it denotes movement or change that occurs under external influence or over time without deliberate steering, or a gradual change in condition or relation.

In physical contexts, something that has drifted is carried by currents or air. Examples include a boat that drifted off course, leaves that drifted in the wind, or sediment that drifted across a beach. Objects that drift may do so with little or no control, depending on environmental forces such as wind, water, or gravity.

In everyday speech, drifted is used metaphorically to describe changes in focus, relationships, or plans. For instance, a discussion can drift to unrelated topics, friends can drift apart after a period of reduced contact, or a person may drift off to sleep during a long meeting or lecture.

In science and measurement, drift describes systematic or random changes in a quantity over time. Genetic drift refers to stochastic changes in allele frequencies in a population, while sensor drift describes gradual changes in instrument calibration that cause readings to drift. In data analysis, a signal or baseline may drift, requiring correction or calibration to maintain accuracy.

Common phrases include “drifted off” (fell asleep) and “drifted apart” (grew less close over time). The term is used across disciplines to convey passive movement or gradual change, often without a specified cause other than continuing influence from external factors.