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

Attacks on Israel are coming from farther afield, too, including from Iran and Houthi forces in Yemen. —John Spencer, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024

The Marmot Sawtooth Sleeping Bag 15F Down delivers excellent warmth and comfort for camping farther afield. —Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2024

How much policing was there of the mythology by Hasbro to not go too far afield of the mythology that’s already known? —Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 20 Sep. 2024

While the Caribbean remains the eternally classic winter yacht charter destination, increasing numbers of yachts are heading further afield during the Northern Hemisphere winter towards Asia-Pacific, the Indian Ocean and, increasingly, Middle Eastern destinations such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia. —Chrissie McClatchie, Forbes, 22 Nov. 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