Aft vs. Astern: What's the Difference?

At, in, toward, or close to the stern of a vessel or the rear of an aircraft or spacecraft.

Behind a vessel.

(nautical) The stern portion of a vessel.

At or to the stern of a vessel.

: the time of day from noon until early evening.

With or having the stern foremost; backward.

(nautical) At, near, or towards the stern of a vessel (with the frame of reference within the vessel).

Behind a vessel; in the rear.

Located at the back of a boat, ship, or airplane

In the direction of the stern; backward motion; to the rear.

Near or towards the stern of a vessel; astern; abaft.

At or toward the rear of a vessel.

(nautical, aeronautical) situated at or toward the stern or tail

Behind a vessel; having a bearing of 180 degrees from ahead.

At or near or toward the stern of a ship or tail of an airplane;

In or at the hinder part of a ship; toward the hinder part, or stern; backward; as, to go astern.

Behind a ship; in the rear.

Stern foremost or backward;

At or near or toward the stern of a ship or tail of an airplane;

(of a ship or an airplane) behind;