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Aweigh Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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aweigh

[əˈweɪ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

nautical anchor

To aweigh means to raise an anchor off the seabed so that a vessel is ready to set sail. This term is primarily used in nautical contexts, where it is crucial to denote the action of lifting an anchor to signal that the ship can now navigate away from its anchored position. The term suggests the idea of lightening the vessel, as the anchor's weight is no longer holding the ship in place. It is often used in commands for sailors as they prepare to depart.

Synonyms

hoist, lift, raise.

Examples of usage

  • The captain ordered the anchor aweigh.
  • Once the anchor is aweigh, we can head out to sea.
  • After a long wait, the ship's anchor was finally aweigh.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Nautical Culture

  • Sailors have a special jargon that includes terms like 'aweigh', highlighting the deep relationship between language and seafaring life.
  • The act of raising the anchor is often accompanied by specific commands and rituals among crews, indicating teamwork and discipline.
  • Traditional maritime practices included ceremonies for the first and last drop of an anchor at port, emphasizing the importance of the 'aweigh' concept.

Literature

  • The term appears in classic literature, especially in nautical tales, to describe the critical moments of departure.
  • Writers like Herman Melville used the word to evoke vivid images of sea voyages and the freedom of sailing.
  • Poetic references to cargo and anchors evoke notions of weight and liberation, using 'aweigh' to symbolize the onset of adventures.

Science

  • Anchors work on principles of gravity and displacement, directly relating to the concept of 'weighing' in physics.
  • Understanding how ships weigh anchor involves knowledge of buoyancy and the forces acting on both the ship and the anchor.
  • Navigational science has evolved, yet the fundamental actions of 'dropping' and 'raising' anchors remain integral at sea.

Origin of 'aweigh'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'aweigh' comes from the Old English 'aweg', meaning 'away' and originally referred to something being lifted or removed.
  • In nautical terms, it's often associated with the phrase 'anchor aweigh,' indicating that the anchor is no longer touching the sea floor.
  • The structural use of the word is specific to maritime context, showcasing how language adapts to specialized fields.

The word 'aweigh' originates from the Middle English term 'awaie', which combines the prefix 'a-' (meaning 'on' or 'in the state of') and the word 'weigh'. This usage reflects the action of weighing an anchor, which is a significant part of maritime activity. In nautical terminology, it indicates a specific condition when an anchor is no longer resting at the bottom of a body of water but is instead being lifted or has been lifted. Since its introduction into the English lexicon, 'aweigh' has retained its specialized meaning primarily within the contexts of sailing and seamanship. Its use has become more limited, being mostly found in traditional nautical language, which carries a strong connection to the maritime heritage.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,386, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.