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Becalmed: meaning, definitions and examples

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becalmed

 

[ bɪˈkɑːlmd ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

sailing condition

The term 'becalmed' describes a state in which a sailing vessel is immobilized due to the absence of wind. It is a condition that can lead to delays and challenges in maritime navigation, especially for ships heavily reliant on wind for propulsion. When a ship is becalmed, it may drift slowly or remain stationary, making it difficult for sailors to reach their intended destination. Historically, being becalmed could lead to increased anxiety for sailors, as they may be at the mercy of the elements for an extended period.

Synonyms

motionless, stagnant, stationary

Examples of usage

  • The ship was becalmed for several days in the calm waters of the Caribbean.
  • After encountering a becalmed stretch, the crew grew concerned about their supplies.
  • The sailors spent their time fishing while they were becalmed.
  • During the race, one yacht was becalmed, allowing its competitors to catch up.

Translations

Translations of the word "becalmed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 calmo

🇮🇳 शांत

🇩🇪 stillgelegt

🇮🇩 tenang

🇺🇦 безвітряний

🇵🇱 uspokojony

🇯🇵 静かな

🇫🇷 calme

🇪🇸 calmo

🇹🇷 sakin

🇰🇷 고요한

🇸🇦 هادئ

🇨🇿 uklidněný

🇸🇰 upokojený

🇨🇳 平静的

🇸🇮 umirjen

🇮🇸 kyrr

🇰🇿 тыныш

🇬🇪 მშვიდი

🇦🇿 sakit

🇲🇽 calmo

Etymology

The word 'becalmed' originates from the prefix 'be-', which forms verbs of condition or state, combined with the root 'calm', meaning motionless or still. The term reflects the historical reliance on wind for maritime navigation, especially before the advent of engine-powered vessels. In nautical usage, being becalmed was a common problem faced by sailors, especially during the Age of Sail when voyages could take weeks or months. The first documented usage of the term dates back to the late 16th century, illustrating the long history of maritime challenges associated with wind variability. Over the centuries, the term has maintained its relevance in both historical and modern contexts, serving as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sea.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,107 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.