coast
UK: kəʊst | US: koʊst
n. the land near a sea or ocean
n. the act of moving without power or effort (e.g., a vehicle coasting downhill)
vi. to move effortlessly, especially due to gravity or momentum
The word "coast" traces back to the Latin costa, meaning "rib" or "side," which metaphorically extended to refer to the "side" of the land bordering the sea. This sense was adopted into Old French as coste and later into Middle English as coost or coast, solidifying its modern meaning of the shoreline. The verb form emerged from the idea of "moving along the edge" or "gliding effortlessly," akin to how a ship might sail near the coast.
The waves crashed violently against the rocky coast.
We drove along the Pacific Coast Highway, enjoying the ocean view.
The car began to coast downhill after the engine stalled.
She coasted through the exam without much preparation.
Ancient traders often sailed close to the coast for safety.