afield

adverb or adjective

ə-ˈfēld 

1

: to, in, or on the field

was weak at bat but strong afield

2

: away from home : abroad

3

: out of the way : astray

irrelevant remarks that carried us far afield

Synonyms

• amiss
• astray
• awry
• wrong

Examples of afield in a Sentence

how did we get so far afield from the subject we intended to discuss?

Recent Examples on the Web

The war disrupted the production and distribution of grain, generating concerns about supply far afield from Russia and Ukraine. —Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024

Meanwhile, SamMobile reports that the update that had been restricted to US users with Verizon plans has not been extended further afield. —Zak Doffman, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Art fans can do their strutting in a familiar setting, like Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe, or try something new — perhaps heading over to the Westwood Creative District in East Denver or trekking a little farther afield to the galleries in Olde Town Arvada. —Ray Mark Rinaldi, The Denver Post, 30 Oct. 2024

Within the Drama sidebar, an industry committee selected 14 shows that will be presented from countries as far afield as France, Japan, the U.S. and Lebanon. —Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English afelde, going back to Old English on felda, on felde, from on on entry 1 + felda, felde, dative of feld field entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

afield

adverb

ə-ˈfēld 

1

: to, in, or on the field

2

: away from home

3

: out of a regular, planned, or proper course : astray