Afloat Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🏊♂️
afloat
afloat
Definitions
state of being
Afloat refers to something that is floating on the surface of a liquid, especially water. It can also imply being in a state of survival or maintain a balanced state in difficult circumstances.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The boat remained afloat despite the storm.
- He struggled to keep his dreams afloat amid the challenges.
- The company is still afloat after the economic downturn.
keeping afloat
To afloat means to keep something from sinking or to continue to exist in a difficult situation. It emphasizes the action of maintaining stability or survival.
Synonyms
keep afloat, support, sustain.
Examples of usage
- She worked hard to afloat her business after the crisis.
- They needed to afloat their finances until the next investment was secured.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Quick facts about “afloat”
Afloat is a 1-syllable adjective and verb. It is pronounced /əˈfɫoʊt/ in American English and /ɐflˈəʊt/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 6 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #13,659 among the most common English words.
Origin of 'afloat'
The word 'afloat' originates from Middle English, derived from the phrase 'a float', combining the prefix 'a-' (meaning 'on') and 'float', which comes from the Old Norse word 'flota', meaning 'to float'. The term has evolved over time to encompass not just the physical state of floating in water but also metaphorical usages related to maintaining one's position or state in challenging circumstances. Its use has expanded in modern English to describe not only physical buoyancy but also situations where stability or survival is crucial.