Drift, in the context of trends, refers to a gradual change or movement in a particular direction over time. This can be observed in various fields, such as economics, fashion, or technology, where preferences or behaviors shift slowly but steadily. Understanding drift helps analysts predict future developments based on current patterns. In statistics, drift can also indicate a consistent change in data points, often seen in time series analysis. For example, if a company's sales figures show a steady increase over several months, this upward drift suggests a positive trend that may continue. Recognizing these patterns is crucial for making informed decisions.