afield

UK: əˈfiːld | US: əˈfiːld

Definition

  1. adv. 1. To or at a distance (especially from home or usual surroundings).

  2. adv. 2. In or into a field (literal or figurative).

  3. adv. 3. Off the subject; away from the point.

Structure
a <on, in, to (Old English prefix)>field <tract of open land (Old English feld)>
Etymology

The word "afield" combines the Old English prefix "a-" (meaning "on," "in," or "to") with "field," referring to open land. Originally, it described physical movement into fields or distant areas. Over time, it expanded metaphorically to mean "away from home" or "off-topic." The prefix "a-" is archaic but persists in adverbs like "abroad" and "ashore," while "field" retains its core meaning of open space.

Examples

  1. The farmers worked afield from dawn till dusk.

  2. Her research led her far afield, studying cultures across continents.

  3. His comments strayed afield during the debate.

  4. Birds flew afield in search of food.

  5. The team ventured afield to explore new markets.