The word “alee” is not commonly used in everyday language, but it is still important to understand its meaning and origin. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of “alee,” its origin, and its associations in different contexts.
Definitions
The word “alee” is used to refer to a direction or position that is away from the wind or sheltered from the wind. It is often used in nautical terms to describe the side of a ship that is sheltered from the wind. In everyday language, it can also be used to describe a position or direction that is protected or sheltered from something.
Origin
The origin of the word “alee” can be traced back to the Middle English word “ale,” which means “away from.” The suffix “-ee” was added to create the word “alee,” which means “away from the wind.” The word has been used in nautical language since the 16th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Oxford English Dictionary, “alee” is defined as “on or toward the side sheltered from the wind or away from the direction from which the wind is blowing.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “away from the wind.” The Collins English Dictionary defines it as “on or towards the side of a vessel away from the wind.”
Associations
The word “alee” is often associated with nautical terminology and is commonly used in sailing and boating contexts. It is also associated with the idea of protection or shelter from something, such as being alee of a storm.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for “alee” include downwind, leeward, and sheltered.
Antonyms
The antonym for “alee” is “windward,” which refers to the side of a ship facing the wind.
The same root words
The word “alee” is derived from the Middle English word “ale,” which means “away from.” Other words that share this root include “abroad,” “aloof,” and “aside.”
Example Sentences
- The boat was alee of the storm, so we were able to avoid the worst of it.
- The sailor adjusted the sails to keep the boat alee of the wind.
- The house was alee of the hill, so it was protected from the strong winds.