noun
drift
The general meaning or intention of what someone says or writes.
I understand the drift of her argument, despite the unfamiliar terms.
Etymology
The figurative sense uses a current’s direction as an image for discourse. Understanding the drift means recognizing where the speaker’s thoughts are generally heading.
More examples
- You should apologize first, if you get my drift.
- He misses a few words but catches the drift.
- The drift of the letter is that we need more time.