Astray

Adjective, adverb

Definition: Away from the correct path or direction, off course.

Synonyms: Off track, Lost, Wandering

Antonyms: On track, On course, Following

Examples:

The hiker went astray and ended up in an unfamiliar forest.
The stray dog wandered astray, unable to find its way back home.

Mnemonics:

Think of the "a" in "astray" as meaning "away" from the correct path.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English 'astraien', from Old French 'estraier', variant of 'estravagier', from 'e-' (out) + 'stravagier' (to wander).

Historical Usage:

The word "astray" has been used in English since the 14th century to describe being off course or lost.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Lead (someone) astray"

Explanation:

To cause someone to behave in a morally wrong or misguided way.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "astray" with "away".

Explanation:

While "astray" can mean "away from the correct path or direction," it specifically implies being lost or off course. "Away" just indicates movement or distance, without the connotation of being off track.