A woolgatherer is a person who indulges in idle fancies and daydreams, often to the point of being inattentive to their surroundings or neglecting practical matters. The term evokes an image of someone idly collecting wisps of wool, disconnected from reality and lost in thought. It implies a detachment from the present, a preoccupation with unreal possibilities, and a tendency to let one's mind wander freely. This mental state can manifest as aimless contemplation, fantasizing about unlikely scenarios, or dwelling on trivial details to the exclusion of more pressing concerns. The term often carries a slightly whimsical or humorous connotation, suggesting a gentle, harmless form of absentmindedness rather than serious psychological issues.
Woolgatherer meaning with examples
- Lost in thought during the lecture, she was a complete woolgatherer, scribbling in her notebook without processing a single word the professor said. She later struggled with her notes and realized she had completely missed the key points. This resulted in her having to borrow notes from a classmate.
- He was a confirmed woolgatherer, often found staring out the window at work, dreaming about sailing across the Atlantic. He'd lose track of time and his colleagues often had to remind him of looming deadlines. He was a great employee but often lacked focus.
- She became a notorious woolgatherer after a particularly stressful period, spending hours replaying conversations in her head and imagining different outcomes. It was a way of escape for her, but ultimately unproductive. She needed professional support to stop.
- The old man in the park was a gentle woolgatherer, content to sit for hours watching the clouds drift by, weaving stories in his mind. The squirrels and birds didn't even bother him as he sat and drifted away.
- During the long commute, I often become a woolgatherer, composing elaborate scenarios in my head that would never happen. I am aware I'm not focused, but it helps pass the time. I am however grateful it is safe to daydream in the back of a bus.