Awry

Awry is a term used to describe something that has gone off course, is not functioning as intended, or has deviated from the expected outcome. The word is often used in various contexts, including literature, medicine, and everyday language.

Etymology

The term "awry" originates from the Middle English word "awrye," which means "crooked" or "askew." It is derived from the prefix "a-" meaning "on" or "in" and "wry," which means "twisted" or "contorted."

Usage in Literature

In literature, the term "awry" is frequently used to describe situations where plans or events do not unfold as expected. For example, in William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," the phrase "the best-laid schemes of mice and men often go awry" is used to illustrate how even the most carefully planned actions can fail.

Usage in Medicine

In medicine, "awry" can describe a condition or situation where a treatment or procedure does not go as planned. For instance, a surgical operation that encounters unexpected complications can be said to have gone awry.

Common Phrases

Several common phrases incorporate the term "awry," including:

• "Go awry" - to go wrong or not as planned.
• "Set awry" - to cause something to become disordered or out of alignment.

Related Terms

• Askew
• Crooked
• Misaligned
• Twisted

See Also

• Error
• Failure
• Deviation
• Unexpected outcome