The concept of a "castaway" has deep roots in maritime history, with countless real-life accounts of sailors and travelers stranded on remote islands. Over time, the term evolved to represent both literal and figurative isolation. In modern contexts, it can refer to anyone feeling abandoned or left to fend for themselves. From Robinson Crusoe to modern survival stories, the narrative of the castaway continues to inspire tales of endurance and ingenuity.
castaway in English
- castaway⇄adj. 1. thrown away; cast adrift.
2. outcast; rejected. - castaway⇄castaway, adjective, noun.
- castaway⇄noun 1. a shipwrecked person.
Ex. The castaways swam to the island.
2. an outcast.
castaway in Hindi हिन्दी
castaway in Kannada ಕನ್ನಡ
castaway in Telugu తెలుగు
Castaway
Part of Speech
Noun
Adjective
Pronunciation
/ˈkæs.təˌweɪ/ (English - US)
/ˈkɑːs.təˌweɪ/ (English - UK)
Definitions
- Noun: A person who has been shipwrecked and stranded on a deserted island or an uninhabited area.
- Adjective: Rejected or discarded; thrown away.
Usage Examples
- "The castaway survived for months on the island by fishing and gathering fruits."
- "He felt like a castaway in his own family after being rejected for his choices."
Etymology
First used in the late 16th century, "castaway" comes from the combination of "cast" (meaning thrown) and "away" (meaning far or discarded), referring to someone thrown away or abandoned, often by shipwreck.
Synonyms
- Survivor
- Stranded person
- Outcast
Antonyms
- Rescued
- Accepted
- Included
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| French | Naufragé | /no.fʁa.ʒe/ |
| Spanish | Náufrago | /ˈnau.fra.ɣo/ |
| Hindi | तट पर फेंका गया | /tət pər feŋkɑː gəjɑː/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
In some English dialects, "castaway" is pronounced with slight variations, such as /ˈkæs.tə.weɪ/ in American English versus /ˈkɑːs.tə.weɪ/ in British English.
Historical Usage
The term "castaway" has been used since the 16th century to describe individuals stranded by shipwrecks. It gained prominence in literature during the Age of Exploration and has since become a popular theme in fiction, symbolizing isolation and survival.
Cultural Nuances
In Western literature, "castaway" is often romanticized as a figure of resilience and resourcefulness, as seen in works like "Robinson Crusoe." In a metaphorical sense, it also represents social rejection or being abandoned by society.