different between rearward vs abaft

English

Etymology

rear +? -ward

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA^(key): /??i?.w? d/

Noun

rearward (plural rearwards)

1. The part that comes last or is situated in the rear; conclusion, wind-up.
2. The last troop; the rear of an army; a rear guard.

Alternative forms

• rereward (obsolete)

Adjective

rearward (comparative more rearward, superlative most rearward)

1. Toward the back or rear of something.

   The rearward seats of the bus were unpleasantly close to the toilet facilities.

Adverb

rearward

1. Toward the back or rear of something.
   • 1991, Peter Cozzens, Better Place to Die: The Battle of Stones River (page 124)

     The ensuing struggle was bitter but brief, as for a third time the Alabamians stumbled rearward through the cedars. If Manigault were to take the guns, he would need help.

English

Etymology

From a- (“on”) + Middle English baft, baften, biaften, Old English beæftan; be (“by”) (modern English by) + æftan (“behind”) (modern English after). See also aft.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /??bæft/, /??b??ft/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /??bæft/, /??b?ft/
• Rhymes: -??ft

Preposition

abaft

1. (nautical) Behind; toward the stern relative to some other object or position; aft of. [First attested around the late 15^th century.]

   The captain stood abaft the wheelhouse.

Translations

Adverb

abaft (comparative more abaft, superlative most abaft)

1. (nautical) On the aft side; in the stern. [First attested in the early 17^th century.]

   We drifted with the wind abaft.

   The mate sleeps abaft.

2. (nautical, obsolete) Backwards. [Attested from around (1150 to 1350) until the late 15^th century.]

Translations

Related terms

• aft
• after

References

Anagrams

• BAFTA, bafta