afield

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English

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Etymology

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From Middle English afeld, a-felde, o felde, on felde, from Old English on felde (afield, literally in (the) field), equivalent to a- (on) +‎ field.

Pronunciation

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Adverb

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afield (comparative more afield, superlative most afield)

  1. Away (from the home or starting point, physical or conceptual); usually preceded by far (or farther, further).
    • 1999, Jacob S. Hacker, The Road to Nowhere: The Genesis of President Clinton's Plan for Healthy Security, →ISBN, page 118:
      Whether things could have been different is an open question, and one that would take us far afield from the focus of this book.
    • 2002, Philip F. Esler, The Early Christian World, →ISBN, page 3:
      There were Christians developing notable traditions somewhat away from the Mediterranean and outside the Roman empire, in places like Armenia, or even further afield, in India
    • 2020 December 2, Paul Bigland, “My weirdest and wackiest Rover yet”, in Rail, page 68:
      My fellow passengers are a mixture of people returning from a day out in the capital, locals doing short hops, and a few (like me) heading farther afield.
  2. On the field.
    We now have both teams afield and can begin the match.
  3. Out in the open.
    • 1879, Robert Louis Stevenson, Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes, page 116:
      The merchant was much interested in my journey, and thought it dangerous to sleep afield.
    • 2000, Robert Manns, Night of the Frogs & Sautee and Nacoochee, →ISBN, page 27:
      Meanwhile, witch Tituba, Tonight you sleep afield, molest not this house. Return here early for your judgement.

Translations

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Anagrams

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