Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions Lyrics History Colors (New!) Easter eggs (New!)

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].
  1. The second probe did not veer off its proper line.
    — from The Wailing Asteroid by Murray Leinster
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. Opinion began to veer round to his side.
    — from Mrs. Farrell by William Dean Howells
  6. 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
  7. Her embraces and gratitude were a veer in a new direction.
    — from People Like That: A Novel by Kate Langley Bosher
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, Scrabble


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Compound Your Joy