What does aft mean Meaning and Definition
What does aft mean
Pronunciation
/ɛft/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
Aft refers to the rear or back portion of a ship, boat, or aircraft, often used in nautical or aviation contexts to describe the location or direction of something.
Etymology
The word “aft” originated from the Old English word “æft,” which means “behind” or “after.” It has been used in nautical contexts since the 14th century.
Usage Notes
Aft is commonly used in phrases such as “aft deck,” “aft cabin,” or “aft cockpit” to describe the location of a feature or component on a vessel. It can also be used to indicate direction, such as “steer the ship aft to avoid the reef.”
Cultural References
Aft has been featured in popular culture, such as in the phrase “aft the ball” from the movie “The Hunt for Red October” or in the song “Aft and Aft” by the Icelandic band Sigur Rós.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Aft and afloat
- Aft and fore
Related Words or Phrases
- Ahead
- Behind
- Port
- Starboard
Collocations
- Aft end
- Aft deck
- Aft cabin
Frequency of Use
Aft is a relatively uncommon word in modern language, but it is still used frequently in nautical and aviation contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Aftt
- Afft