Langimage
English

stray

|stray|

B2

/streɪ/

wandering aimlessly

Etymology
Etymology Information

'stray' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'estrayer,' where 'estray' meant 'to wander.'

Historical Evolution

'estrayer' transformed into the Middle English word 'straien,' and eventually became the modern English word 'stray.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to wander aimlessly,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

an animal that has no home or has wandered away from its home.

The shelter takes in strays from the streets.

Synonyms

Verb 1

to move away aimlessly from a group or from the right course or place.

The child strayed from the path and got lost.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 1

not in the right place; separated from the group or target.

A stray bullet hit the window.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35