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What is the difference between abreast and abeam?

abreast | abeam |

In nautical terms the difference between abreast and abeam

is that abreast is side by side; also, opposite; over against; on a line with the vessel's beam while abeam is alongside.

As adverbs the difference between abreast and abeam

is that abreast is side by side, facing forward while abeam is on the beam; at a right angle to the centerline or keel of a vessel or aircraft; being at a bearing approximately 090 Degrees or 270 Degrees relative .

As adjectives the difference between abreast and abeam

is that abreast is side by side, facing forward while abeam is alongside or abreast; opposite the center of the side of the ship or aircraft.

As prepositions the difference between abreast and abeam

is that abreast is abreast of; alongside while abeam is alongside.

abreast

English

Alternative forms

* (l)

Adverb

(en adverb)
  • Side by side, facing forward.
  • *
  • *
  • (figurative) Alongside; parallel to.
  • Informed, well-informed, familiar, acquainted.
  • Up to a certain level or line; equally advanced; as, to keep abreast of [or with] the present state of science.
  • (nautical) Side by side; also, opposite; over against; on a line with the vessel's beam.
  • (obsolete): At the same time; simultaneously
  • *

    • Usage notes

    * (nautical) Abreast is followed by the word of . * (alongside) Abreast is followed by with' or ' of . * (informed) Abreast is followed by with' or ' of . * (up to a certain level) Abreast is followed by with' or ' of .

    Synonyms

    * (informed)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Side by side, facing forward.
  • (figurative) Alongside; parallel to.
  • Informed, well-informed, familiar, acquainted.
  • Up to a certain level or line; equally advanced; as, to keep abreast of [or with] the present state of science.
  • (nautical) Side by side; also, opposite; over against; on a line with the vessel's beam.

    • Preposition

    (English prepositions)
  • Abreast of; alongside.
    • This ship sank abreast the island.

    References

    Anagrams

    *

    abeam

    English

    Adverb

    (en adverb)
  • (nautical, aircraft) On the beam; at a right angle to the centerline or keel of a vessel FM 55-501 Marine Crewman’s Handbook'' or aircraft; being at a bearing approximately 090 Degrees or 270 Degrees relative ''JP 1-02 Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms .
  • (nautical, aircraft) Alongside or abreast; opposite the center of the side of the ship or aircraft.

    • Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (nautical, aircraft) Alongside or abreast; opposite the center of the side of the ship or aircraft.
  • *
    • The island was directly abeam of us.

    Preposition

    (English prepositions)
  • (nautical) Alongside.
    • She came abeam the crippled ship.

    References

    Anagrams

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