aft

/ɑ:ft/

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Explanation of "Aft"

Definition: The word "aft" is used mainly in nautical and aeronautical contexts. It describes a position that is located towards the back (or tail) of a ship or airplane.

Advanced Usage:

• In sailing, "abaft" means towards the back of the ship relative to another object, such as the wind or another sail. For example, "The wind was blowing abaft, which helped the ship sail faster."

Word Variants:

• Aftness: A noun that refers to the quality or state of being located at the back.

Different Meanings:

• There are no significant alternative meanings for "aft" outside of nautical and aeronautical contexts. It is primarily used to indicate a position towards the back.

Synonyms:

• Rear
• Back
• Stern (specific to ships)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs that use "aft," but you might hear phrases like "sail aft" or "move aft" in maritime contexts, which simply means to move towards the back of the ship.

Related Terms:

• Stern: The rear part of a ship. While "aft" describes a position, "stern" is a specific noun referring to the back of the ship.
• Bow: The front part of a ship, opposite of stern.

Summary:

"Aft" is a useful word to describe locations at the back of ships and airplanes, and it helps in understanding navigation and positioning in maritime and aeronautical contexts.

Academic

Adjective

1. (nautical, aeronautical) situated at or toward the stern or tail

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
• abaft
• astern