sternwards
Definition
Adverb: Toward the stern (the rear part) of a ship or boat. This word describes direction or movement in a nautical context.
Usage Examples
- (Toward the back of the vessel.)
- (Toward the rear part of the ship.)
Advanced Usage
- "to go sternwards": to move toward the stern, often in response to a command or for a specific task.
- The sailors went sternwards to prepare the anchor. (They moved to the rear of the ship.)
- "to look sternwards": to direct one's gaze toward the stern.
- She looked sternwards and saw the wake of the ship. (She gazed toward the back of the vessel.)
Variants and Related Words
- Sternward (adj): directed toward the stern.
- The sternward movement of the crew was orderly. (The movement toward the rear was organized.)
- Stern (n): the rear part of a ship or boat.
- The stern of the ship was damaged in the storm. (The back part was affected.)
Synonyms
- Aft: toward the stern; a nautical term for direction.
- The sailors moved aft to adjust the sails. (Toward the rear.)
- Astern: behind a ship; often used for movement backward.
- The ship drifted astern. (Backward, toward the stern.)
Related Idioms
- "stern first": entering or moving with the stern leading.
- The boat backed out of the dock stern first. (Moving backward, with the rear leading.)
Phrasal Verbs
- Head sternwards: to start moving toward the stern.
- He headed sternwards to speak with the engineer. (He moved toward the back of the ship.)