AWRY

Part of Speech

Adjective, Adverb

Pronunciation

/əˈraɪ/

Definitions

• Adjective: Away from the usual or expected course; turned or twisted to one side.
• Adverb: In a wrong or unexpected manner; amiss; askew.

Usage Examples

• The plan went awry when they missed the train.
• His efforts to fix the car only made things worse, causing everything to go awry.
• The sculpture was positioned awry, making the room feel uneven.

Etymology

The word "awry" comes from Middle English "awrye" or "awri," meaning "crooked" or "twisted." It is thought to have been influenced by the Old French word "aviré" (to turn aside), derived from Latin "ab-" (away) and "virare" (to turn). The original sense referred to something being out of alignment or twisted, and it has since expanded to include situations where something goes wrong or deviates from the expected.

Synonyms

• Askew
• Off course
• Crooked
• Amiss
• Out of place

Antonyms

• Straight
• Correct
• Right
• Aligned
• Proper

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The word "awry" is pronounced the same in most English-speaking regions, but regional accents can cause slight variations. In American English, speakers may stress the "A" more strongly, whereas in British English, the vowel sound may be slightly softer. Some speakers in the Southern U.S. might also elongate the "r" sound.

Historical Usage

The word "awry" has been used in English since the 14th century, originating from the Middle English "awrye," meaning "wrong" or "crooked." It was used to describe something that was askew or out of alignment. Over time, it has come to be used more broadly to describe situations or events that have deviated from what was expected or planned.

Cultural Nuances

In modern usage, the term "awry" is often used to describe not only physical misalignments but also situations where plans or events go wrong. It has a connotation of things turning unexpectedly bad, often in a frustrating or surprising manner. The phrase "go awry" is common in both casual and formal contexts to describe mishaps or failures in various fields, from personal endeavors to business projects.

More Information

The term "awry" can also be used metaphorically to describe emotions, ideas, or projects that have gone wrong or taken an unexpected turn. It’s a versatile word in the English language, used in both everyday and literary contexts. Whether describing a physical object that is skewed or a plan that has failed, "awry" captures the sense of deviation from an intended path, both literally and figuratively.