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

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

Miller laughed off suggestions Newcastle will be moving far afield, such as to Murrayfield, in Edinburgh, even temporarily. —Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024

The domed design of Printemps was reproduced in stores as far afield as Bulgaria and Egypt, with original art posters of the stores on show. —Rhonda Richford, WWD, 18 Nov. 2024

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

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