Phrasal verbs "slough off" vs "wander off"

Differences between slough off and wander off

Slough off means to get rid of something or someone that is unwanted or unnecessary, while wander off means to move away from a place or group without a specific destination or purpose.

Meanings and Definitions: slough off vs wander off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Slough off

  • 1Get rid of, dispose.

    The government is increasing its powers but is SLOUGHING OFF responsibility for its failures.

  • 2Lose or shed outer layers of skin.

    Snakes SLOUGH OFF their old skin.

  • 3Ignore or trivialize an injury or insult.

    He SLOUGHED OFF the pain and continued running.

Wander off

  • 1Leave a place, usually without telling other people.

    She WANDERED OFF and got lost in the crowd.

  • 2Stop paying attention.

    The lecture was boring and my mind WANDERED OFF after ten minutes.

Usage Examples: slough off, wander off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

slough off

Example

The company decided to slough off its unprofitable divisions.

Example

She sloughs off her worries and focuses on the task at hand.

wander off

Example

The child wandered off while his parents were shopping.

Example

She often wanders off during long meetings.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Slough off

To get rid of something unwanted or negative, such as a bad habit or a negative influence.

Example

He decided to shake off his procrastination habit and started working on his assignments earlier.

To discard or get rid of something that is no longer useful or needed.

Example

She decided to cast off her old clothes and donate them to charity.

To eliminate or get rid of something that is unwanted or harmful.

Example

He wanted to rid himself of the negative thoughts that were affecting his mental health.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Wander off

To move away from a group or a place without a specific destination or purpose.

Example

As the party went on, some guests started to drift away and do their own thing.

To wander or move away from a path or a group without a clear direction or intention.

Example

While hiking, they decided to meander off the trail and explore the nearby woods.

To move away from a topic or a plan without a clear reason or justification.

Example

During the meeting, some participants started to stray off the agenda and discuss unrelated issues.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with โ€œoffโ€

Differences in slough off vs wander off: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: slough off or wander off?

In daily conversation, people use wander off more often than slough off. This is because wander off is used to describe a common behavior, such as getting distracted and leaving a group. Slough off is less common and used in more specific situations, such as getting rid of a bad habit or negative influence.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of slough off and wander off

Slough off and wander off are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of slough off and wander off

The tone of slough off and wander off can differ based on context. Slough off often carries a determined or assertive tone when related to getting rid of something negative, while wander off typically has a relaxed or absent-minded tone, especially when referring to exploring or enjoying the surroundings.

slough off & wander off: Synonyms and Antonyms

Slough off

Synonyms

Wander off

Antonyms

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!