What does 'swerve' mean
Definition
Meaning: Swerve (verb) refers to a sudden or sharp change in direction, typically to avoid an obstacle or to veer off course. It describes a quick, often abrupt movement to the side.
La signification: Swerve (verbe) signifie dévier brusquement de sa trajectoire, que ce soit physiquement (en évitant un obstacle) ou métaphoriquement (en s’écartant d’un plan). Comme nom, il désigne un écart soudain. Exemple : 'La voiture a fait un écart pour éviter le piéton'.
Example: "The driver had to swerve to avoid hitting the deer on the road."
Grammar: Verb, intransitive or transitive. Commonly used with adverbs like "sharply" or "suddenly" (e.g., swerve sharply).
Quote: "The difference between sentiment and being sentimental is the following: Sentiment is when a driver swerves out of the way to avoid hitting a rabbit on the road. Being sentimental is when the same driver, when swerving away from the rabbit, hits a pedestrian." [Frank Herbert]
N.B.: "Swerve" can also be used as a noun to describe the act of swerving (e.g., a sharp swerve). In French, it is often translated as "faire un écart" or "dévier." The term is commonly associated with driving but can also apply to figurative contexts, like changing plans or focus suddenly.
Word Analysis
Français »» Faire un écart »» Dévier »» Éviter brusquement Ⓐ Le conducteur a fait un écart pour éviter l’animal. Ⓑ Elle a dévié de sa route habituelle pour visiter un ami. English »» Swerve »» Veer Ⓐ The cyclist swerved to avoid the pothole. Ⓑ He swerved from his usual routine to try something new.
Dialogue
Sam: "Did you see that car swerve on the highway?"
Jordan: "Yeah, they nearly hit the guardrail! Must’ve been avoiding something."
Sam: "I swerve like that in conversations sometimes—totally change the topic!"
Jordan: "Haha, you do! One minute it’s work, the next it’s your cat’s antics!"
Poem Extract
Traveling Through The Dark, by
Richard Wilbur
Traveling through the dark I found a deer
dead on the edge of the Wilson River road.
It is usually best to roll them into the canyon:
that road is narrow; to swerve might make more dead.
By glow of the tail-light I stumbled back of the car
and stood by the heap, a doe, a recent killing;
she had stiffened already, almost cold.
I dragged her off; she was large in the belly.
Read the full poem
Etymology
Origin: Swerve comes from Old English "sweorfan," meaning "to rub, scour, or file." Over time, it evolved to mean "to turn aside sharply or deviate from a straight course."
Modern Usage: Today, "swerve" is commonly used to describe a sudden change in direction, especially while moving. It is often used in driving contexts (e.g., "The car swerved to avoid an obstacle") and metaphorically (e.g., "He swerved from his original plan").
Grammar Note: Swerve is primarily a verb. Example: "The cyclist had to swerve to avoid the pothole." It can also function as a noun (e.g., "a quick swerve").
Audience
Swerve is used in everyday conversation, driving instructions, sports commentary, and narrative writing. It is relevant for learners of all ages, particularly in contexts involving movement, safety, or sudden changes.
When to use: Use swerve to describe abrupt directional changes, whether literal (e.g., vehicles, athletes) or figurative (e.g., plans, discussions). Example: "The driver swerved to miss the deer on the road."
Extra! Extra!
For a fun and visual look at our word of the day, watch the following…
What 'swerve' means
How to pronounce swerve
WordReference
For more on our word of the day and its usage, visit WordReference for definitions, translations, and examples in context.
Here are some quick links for further exploration:
»
English⇄English – Discuss and learn about words and their usage.
»
English⇄French – Explore translations and linguistic nuances.
»
Synonyms⇄Antonyms – Contextual variations, etc.
Common Idioms & Expressions Related to "Swerve"
Swerve to avoid
To suddenly change direction to prevent a collision or problem.
Example: "The driver swerved to avoid hitting the deer."
Swerve from the path/plan
To deviate from an intended course or strategy.
Example: "The company swerved from its original mission after the merger."
Throw someone a swerve
(Slang) To deceive, surprise, or outmaneuver someone unexpectedly.
Example: "The plot twist threw me a swerve—I never saw it coming!"
Swerve and dodge
To avoid obstacles or challenges skillfully (literal or figurative).
Example: "Politicians often swerve and dodge tough questions."
No swerving!
A command or reminder to stay focused or on course.
Example: "We have a deadline—no swerving from the task!"
Swerve into danger
To recklessly or accidentally divert into a risky situation.
Example: "His impulsive decisions swerved the team into danger."
Comments
Post a Comment