athwartship
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /əˈθwɔːrtʃɪp/
KK: /əˈθwɔrtˌʃɪp/
adjective
Definition
Describing a position that is across the width of a ship, from one side to the other.
Example
The cargo was stored athwartship to balance the weight evenly.
Conversation
Did you notice how the sails were set athwartship during our last trip?
Yeah, it was interesting to see how it changed the boat's balance.
I think it helped us navigate through the wind more efficiently.
Absolutely! I felt like we were flying across the water.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
crosswise
transverse
lateral
Antonyms
longitudinal
parallel
alongside
adverb
Definition
In a direction that is across or at right angles to the length of a ship or boat.
Example
The cargo was stored athwartship to balance the weight evenly.
Conversation
Did you notice how the boat was moving athwartship yesterday?
Yeah, it was a bit wobbly, wasn't it?
Exactly! I thought we might tip over for a moment.
Root Explanation
Athwartship is formed from "athwart" (from Old English "aþweard", meaning across or in opposition) and "-ship" (a suffix denoting condition or quality). The term refers to the position or direction across the width of a ship.
Memory Tip
Think of something positioned 'across' ('athwart') a ship, and the '-ship' indicates it relates to the condition or quality of being across.
Visually Confused Words
thwartship
thwartships