abaft

/ə'bɑ:ft/

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Explanation of the Word "Abaft"

Definition:
"Abaft" is an adverb that means at or near the back part of a ship or airplane. It is often used in nautical (related to ships) contexts.

Advanced Usage:

In more technical or literary contexts, "abaft" can be used to provide specific directions or descriptions about the layout of a ship or how something is positioned in relation to the ship's stern (the back part).

Word Variants:

• Abaft is mainly used in its original form. There are no common variants, but it can be combined with other words for specific contexts (e.g., "abaft the beam," which refers to the area behind the widest part of the ship).

Different Meaning:

"Abaft" does not have significantly different meanings outside of its nautical context. It remains consistent in referring to the rear of a vessel.

Synonyms:

• Aft (more commonly used and simpler)
• Astern (specifically refers to something located behind a ship)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no idioms or phrasal verbs that specifically include "abaft," since it is a specialized term mostly used in maritime language.

Summary:

"Abaft" is an adverb used to indicate something located at or near the back of a ship or airplane. It is mainly used in nautical contexts, and its more common synonym is "aft." You can use it to give directions or describe locations on a vessel.

Academic

Adverb

1. at or near or toward the stern of a ship or tail of an airplane
   • stow the luggage aft
   • ships with square sails sail fairly efficiently with the wind abaft
   • the captain looked astern to see what the fuss was about

Synonyms

• aft
• astern