Basic Details
Word: Stray
Part of Speech: Verb / Adjective
Meaning: To wander away from a place or to be lost; not staying where you are supposed to.
Synonyms: Roam, wander, drift
Antonyms: Stay, remain, settle
Idioms and Phrases
- Stray thoughts: Unfocused or wandering thoughts that are not related to what you are currently doing. Example: "While studying, I often find myself having stray thoughts about my weekend plans."
- Stray from the path: To deviate from a plan or direction. Example: "It's easy to stray from the path when there are so many distractions around."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The stray dog wandered into our garden looking for food.
Example 2: During the hike, we had to be careful not to stray too far from the marked trail.
Example 3: She sometimes lets her mind stray during boring lectures.
Fun Fact
The term "stray" can be traced back to the Middle English word "strayn," which means to stretch out or to loose; its original meaning reflects the idea of wandering or being lost.
Famous Quote
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "stray" mean?
a) To stay in one place
b) To wander away from a place
c) To build a house
d) To run very fast
Answer: b) To wander away from a place
2. Which of these is a synonym of "stray"?
a) Drift
b) Stay
c) Sit
d) Construct
Answer: a) Drift
3. Which sentence uses "stray" correctly?
a) The cat did not stray too far from home.
b) He decided to stray on the numbers for his math test.
c) They stray to the candy store every Saturday.
d) She is a stray singer in the choir.
Answer: a) The cat did not stray too far from home.
4. Which idiom means the same as "to stray"?
a) Stay on track
b) Stray thoughts
c) Jump to conclusions
d) Fish out of water
Answer: b) Stray thoughts
5. What is the opposite of "stray"?
a) Wander
b) Roam
c) Stay
d) Drift
Answer: c) Stay
