Definition

1. Adjective:
   • (Nautical, Aeronautical) Situated at or toward the stern or tail: "aft" describes a location that is at or near the rear part of a ship or aircraft.
2. Adverb:
   • At or near or toward the stern of a ship or tail of an airplane: "aft" indicates movement or position in the direction of the rear.

Usage

• Adjective: Used to describe the position of an object or area.
  • The aft deck is quieter than the bow.
  • The flight crew accessed the aft cargo hold.
• Adverb: Used to describe the direction of movement or location.
  • Please move aft to balance the weight.
  • The lifeboats are located aft.

Advanced Usage

• "fore and aft": From the front to the back (of a ship or aircraft).
  • The ship had lights running fore and aft.
• "abaft": A more technical term meaning behind or toward the stern from a specific point.
  • The life rafts are stored just abaft the bridge.

Variants and Related Words

• Aftermost (adj): Farthest aft; nearest the stern.
  • The aftermost cabin is the smallest.
• Aftward (adv): Toward the aft.
  • The corridor slopes slightly aftward.

Synonyms

• Astern (adv): At or toward the stern; behind a vessel.
• Rearward (adj/adv): Toward or at the rear.

Antonyms

• Forward (adj/adv): At, near, or toward the front (bow) of a ship or aircraft.
• Fore (adj/adv): Situated at or toward the front.

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