Definition

The act of moving cargo or fuel from a ship that is stuck or underwater to make it easier to lift the ship back to the surface.

Example

The lightering operation was successful, allowing the ship to be refloated safely.

Conversation

Did you hear about the lightering operation they did last week?

Yeah, it sounds like a complicated process to save the ship.

I was surprised at how much effort goes into lightering cargo.

Totally, it's impressive how they can refloat a ship like that!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

The action of transferring cargo from a larger vessel to a smaller one, usually in shallow waters.

Example

The crew was lightering the supplies from the ship to the dock.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you seen how they are lightering the cargo off that ship?

Yeah, it's interesting to watch them do it so efficiently.

I wonder how long it takes to complete the lightering process.

Root Explanation

Lightering → It is formed from "lighter" (from Middle English *lighter*, meaning a flat-bottomed boat used for transporting goods) and the suffix "-ing" (indicating the action or process of). The word "lightering" refers to the process of transferring cargo from a larger vessel to a smaller one, typically using a lighter boat.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'lighter' as a boat that helps in the 'action' of moving goods — that's why lightering means the process of transferring cargo.

Visually Confused Words