alow

adverb

ə-ˈlō 

: below

alow in the ship's hold

Did you know?

Alow Has Nautical Origins

In nautical use, alow means "in or to a lower part of the vessel," indicating the deck or the area of the rigging closest to the deck, or below-deck as opposed to above-deck. The opposite of alow in this sense is aloft, used to indicate a higher part of the vessel especially around the mastheads or the higher rigging. Yet, while we are still likely to encounter aloft, in both nautical and non-nautical use, alow has become something of a rarity. When encountered, it is usually found in the combination "alow and aloft." This phrase literally refers to the upper and lower parts of a ship or its rigging, but it can also be used to mean "completely" or "thoroughly."

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from a- entry 1 + low

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!