catch the drift

VERB

appreciate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

acknowledge comprehend fathom grasp know perceive read realize recognize sympathize with understand

STRONG

apprehend dig savvy

WEAK

be aware of be cognizant of be conscious of see daylight take account of

Antonyms

STRONGEST

ignore misinterpret miss mistake misunderstand neglect not get

WEAK

be critical criticize decrease depreciate disparage disregard lose value overlook

VERB

sense

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anticipate appreciate believe discern feel grasp notice perceive realize think understand

STRONG

apperceive apprehend catch consider credit deem dig divine hold know observe read savvy suspect

WEAK

be with it catch on feel in bones feel in gut get the drift get the idea get the impression get the picture get vibes have a feeling have a hunch pick up take in

Antonyms

STRONGEST

disbelieve disregard ignore misinterpret miss misunderstand neglect overlook

STRONG

abandon forget let go lose release

WEAK

be numb be unaware

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A kind of Richard Burton-Elizabeth Taylor vibe if you are old enough to catch the drift, an on-off thing, love and hate, tempestuous, never dull.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2025

Cats can, obviously, catch the drift more than people.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2024

In a way that actually was not measured, admittedly, but we're all adult enough to catch the drift of these elaborate concepts.

From The Guardian • Oct. 1, 2012

Jazz thinkers, quick to catch the drift of such talk, are constantly dreaming and demanding that jazzmen start getting some fast federal aid.

From Time Magazine Archive

What they said Shorty could not hear, although he strained his ears in an effort to catch the drift of the conversation.

From Glen of the High North by Cody, H. A. (Hiram Alfred)

catch the drift

Example Sentences

Related Words