Definition

1. Adverb:

   • At an oblique angle; diagonally; across something in a slanted direction: This describes something positioned or moving not directly perpendicular or parallel, but at a slant.
   • From side to side; transversely: This describes something extending or positioned directly across something else.
   • In opposition to; contrary to: This describes something acting against or in conflict with plans, expectations, or desires.

2. Preposition:

   • Across from side to side; transversely over or through: This indicates the position or direction of something lying or moving directly across an object or space.
   • In opposition to; contrary to: This indicates an action or force that goes against something.

Usage and Examples

• Adverb (Oblique Angle):

  • The fallen tree lay athwart the narrow path, blocking our way.
  • The sunlight fell athwart the dusty floorboards.

• Adverb/Pronoun (Transversely):

  • The captain ordered the sails set athwart. (In nautical contexts, this means at right angles to the ship's centerline.)
  • A great beam was placed athwart the entrance.

• Adverb/Preposition (In Opposition):

  • His stubbornness ran athwart all our attempts at compromise.
  • The new evidence came athwart the prosecution's theory.

• Preposition (Across):

  • They built a barricade athwart the road.
  • The ship sailed athwart the current.

Advanced Usage

• Nautical Term: In sailing, "athwart" has a specific technical meaning. When something is "athwart" or "athwartships," it is oriented at a right angle (90 degrees) to the fore-and-aft centerline (keel) of the vessel.
  • The wind came athwart the ship, making it difficult to steer.
• Figurative Use for Obstruction: Often used to describe an obstacle that lies directly across a path, either literal or metaphorical.
  • Financial difficulties lay athwart their plans for expansion.

Variants and Related Words

• Athwartships (Adverb): A nautical term meaning across the ship from one side to the other.
• Athwartwise (Adverb, archaic): In an athwart direction.

Synonyms

• Adverb/Preposition (Across): Across, crosswise, transversely, obliquely, diagonally.
• Adverb/Preposition (Against): Against, contrary to, in opposition to, counter to.

Antonyms

• Adverb/Preposition (Across): Along, lengthwise, parallel.
• Adverb/Preposition (Against): In accordance with, in agreement with, consistent with.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Fall athwart: To come into conflict or opposition with.
  • His ambitions fell athwart the company's conservative policies.
• Lie athwart: To be positioned as an obstacle across something.
  • The question of funding lies athwart the entire project.

Adverb

1. at an oblique angle
   • the sun shone aslant into his face
2. at right angles to the center line of a ship