Literary notes about veer (AI summary)
In literature, the term "veer" is employed in a variety of ways that underscore both literal and metaphorical shifts in direction. At times, it is used to depict physical movements—a ship abruptly changing course to avoid obstacles [1, 2], or a sail adjusting with the wind’s caprices [3, 4]. In other instances, it signifies a figurative turn, as when opinions or moods suddenly redirect, revealing an unexpected change of heart [5, 6, 7]. Poets and novelists even delight in the word’s musicality and rhythm, using it to evoke an image of graceful, almost balletic motion [8, 9]. Thus, whether describing the tangible movement of vessels or the intangible drift of ideas, "veer" enriches the narrative by highlighting moments of dynamic transition [10, 11].
- The second probe did not veer off its proper line.
— from The Wailing Asteroid by Murray Leinster - Leaving this landmark south-west-by-west, veer sharply to the left twice, and pursue a zig-zag course.
— from Mr. Punch on Tour: The Humour of Travel at Home and Abroad - And if the wind is contrary he would say:— “Veer round, Wind, a needle or twain (of the compass), A needle to (let me) fetch Kapar .
— from Malay Magic by Walter William Skeat - The wind now veer'd to the Westward, and as the weather was fine and Moonlight we kept standing close upon a Wind to the South-West all night.
— from Captain Cook's Journal During His First Voyage Round the World
Made in H. M. Bark "Endeavour", 1768-71 by James Cook - Opinion began to veer round to his side.
— from Mrs. Farrell by William Dean Howells - This unhappily gave rise to doubts, which subsequently caused him to entirely change his opinions, and to completely veer round to the other side.
— from A History of Sarawak under Its Two White Rajahs 1839-1908 by C. A. Bampfylde - Her embraces and gratitude were a veer in a new direction.
— from People Like That: A Novel by Kate Langley Bosher - She glides on slanting skate; She loves in fairy curves to veer And weave her figure eight.
— from Lincoln's Gettysburg Address
Given November 19, 1863 on the battlefield near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, USA by Abraham Lincoln - The fading gulls, as they dip and veer, Lift me a voice that is good to hear.
— from Christopher Columbus and His Monument Columbia
being a concordance of choice tributes to the great Genoese, his grand discovery, and his greatness of mind and purpose - Curious to see, how we veer and whirl, yet must ever whirl round again, and scud before the wind.
— from The French Revolution: A History by Thomas Carlyle - We want not leaders but weather cocks, who will veer to the kindlier wind that may blow when it is yet only a zephyr.
— from Behind the Mirrors: The Psychology of Disintegration at Washington by Clinton W. (Clinton Wallace) Gilbert