Pronunciation: [mˈə͡ʊst pˈɔːtsa͡ɪd] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the phrase "most portside" is /moʊst pɔːrtsaɪd/. In phonetic transcription, "most" is pronounced with a long o sound and a t at the end, while "portside" is split into two syllables with stress on the first syllable and a long-a sound for the vowel in "port." The phrase is commonly used in nautical contexts to describe the left side of a ship from the perspective of someone facing the bow.
Most portside refers to the extreme left side of a ship or boat when facing forward. In nautical terminology, "port" refers to the left side of the vessel, while "starboard" refers to the right side. Therefore, when something is described as "most portside," it means it is located as far to the left as possible.
When observing a ship or boat from above or in relation to its front end, the portside is the side that corresponds to the captain's left hand. It is important to note that these directional terms are used when facing the bow (front) of the vessel. The opposite of portside is starboard, which represents the right side.
The notion of "most portside" can be used to describe various elements or locations on a ship. For example, if someone says that a certain cargo is stored "most portside," it means that it is placed towards the extreme left side of the ship. Similarly, if a cabin is described as being "most portside," it indicates that it is positioned as far to the left as possible relative to the ship's front.
Understanding the concept of portside is crucial in maritime navigation and communication, as it facilitates clear and concise instructions when maneuvering a ship in a crowded to minimize confusion and potential collisions.
The phrase "most portside" does not have an independent etymology as it is not a standalone word or phrase. However, we can break down the components to understand their origins.
1. Most: The word "most" in this context is the superlative form of the adjective "much" or "many". It comes from the Old English word "māst", meaning greatest, which is also related to the Latin word "maximus".
2. Portside: "Portside" is a nautical term referring to the left side of a ship when facing the front (bow). It comes from the Middle English word "port", meaning gate or entrance, and the Old English word "sid", meaning side.
So, when used together, the phrase "most portside" could be understood as the "greatest" or "largest" portion of the left side of a ship.
