Abaft is a term commonly used in nautical language to describe a position or direction behind a ship or boat. It is a word that is often heard in maritime movies or novels, but its meaning may not be clear to everyone. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of abaft, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Abaft is an adverb that means behind or towards the stern (rear) of a ship or boat. It is used to describe the position of an object or person in relation to the vessel. For example, if someone is standing abaft the mast, it means they are standing behind the mast towards the back of the ship.
Origin
The word abaft comes from the Old English word “on baftan,” which means “behind.” It was originally used in the context of rowing boats, but it later became a nautical term. The word has been in use since the 16th century and is still commonly used today.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of abaft is consistent across different dictionaries. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “towards or in the rear of a ship or boat.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “toward the stern from.” The Collins English Dictionary defines it as “at or towards the stern of a vessel.”
Associations
Abaft is a term that is primarily associated with nautical language. It is used by sailors and boat enthusiasts to describe the position of objects or people on a ship. It is also commonly used in maritime literature and movies.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for abaft, including astern, aft, rearward, and sternward. These words are used to describe the same position or direction behind a ship or boat.
Antonyms
The antonyms of abaft are forward, ahead, and bowward. These words describe the opposite direction or position from abaft, towards the front of the ship or boat.
The same root words
The root word of abaft is “baft,” which means behind. Other words that have the same root word include aft, aba, and abaftward.
Example Sentences
- The sailor stood abaft the mast, watching the waves.
- The cargo was stowed abaft the engine room.
- The captain ordered the crew to move abaft to balance the ship.
- The storm hit the ship from abaft, causing it to list to one side.
- The passengers gathered abaft to watch the sunset over the ocean.