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Raft Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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raft

[ræft ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

on water

A flat structure made of pieces of wood tied together, used as a boat or floating platform.

Synonyms

barge, float, pontoon.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
raft

A simple flat structure for floating on water, often made from wood or inflatable materials; typically used for recreation or emergency situations.

  • We used a raft to go down the river
  • The survivors built a raft to escape the island
float

Refers to any object that stays on the surface of water, but can also be used metaphorically to describe maintaining a position or staying suspended. Commonly used for small recreational or decorative objects.

  • The children enjoyed watching their toy boats float in the pond
  • Dinner rolls float nicely in a hearty soup
barge

A large, flat-bottomed boat used for carrying heavy goods on rivers and canals; not typically used for recreation but rather for industrial purposes.

  • The barge transported coal down the river
  • The workers loaded the cargo onto the barge
pontoon

A flat-bottomed structure that is used to support a bridge or as a floating platform; commonly used for docks and small boats.

  • The pontoon bridge allowed vehicles to cross the river
  • We sat on the pontoon and fished all afternoon

Examples of usage

  • We went down the river on a raft.
  • The survivors were rescued from the raft.
Context #2 | Noun

in the wilderness

A collection of logs or pieces of wood fastened together for support or transportation.

Synonyms

framework, platform, structure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
raft

A flat structure used to float or travel on water; can also be used metaphorically to describe a large number of something.

  • We used a raft to cross the river
  • The new app introduced a raft of new features
platform

A raised level surface; it is also extensively used in technology to describe a base of software or hardware on which other applications run.

  • She stood on a platform to address the crowd
  • Facebook has become a major social media platform for communication
structure

Anything that is made with a specific shape; used metaphorically to describe organized systems or arrangements.

  • The Eiffel Tower is an iconic structure in Paris
  • The team worked hard to create a clear structure for the presentation
framework

A basic structure underlying a system, concept, or text; commonly used in software development to describe the foundational structure upon which applications are built.

  • The legal framework for this new policy is still under discussion
  • Developers often use frameworks like Django or Rails to build web applications efficiently

Examples of usage

  • The explorers built a raft to cross the river.
  • They used a raft to transport the supplies.
Context #3 | Verb

on water

To travel on a raft.

Synonyms

cruise, float, sail.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
raft

Use when referring to navigating a river or lake on a flat vessel, often in an adventurous or recreational setting. It typically involves some form of manual paddling and is usually associated with outdoor activities.

  • We decided to raft down the Colorado River for our summer trip.
  • The group built a makeshift raft to travel down the gentle stream.
float

Ideal for situations where buoyancy is the focus, such as gently being carried by water. It implies a light and easy movement on water without much control or direction.

  • Leaves float on the surface of the pond.
  • We like to float in the lake on hot summer days.
sail

Appropriate when talking about traveling on water using a boat that is primarily powered by sails. It often involves wind and navigation skills, and can be recreational or part of a sport.

  • They learned to sail in the harbor every weekend.
  • The ancient mariners sailed across the ocean to discover new lands.
cruise

Best suited for describing a journey on a large ship for pleasure, relaxation, or luxury travel. It's associated with leisure activities, entertainment, and comfort.

  • They took a Mediterranean cruise for their honeymoon.
  • We went on a week-long Caribbean cruise and enjoyed on-board shows and fine dining.

Examples of usage

  • We rafted down the river for a thrilling adventure.
  • They rafted across the lake.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • Rafts have been used by ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Mesopotamians for transportation and trade along rivers.
  • In Polynesian culture, canoes made of layered logs were considered a type of raft, facilitating exploration across oceans.

Adventure Sports

  • White-water rafting has become a popular adventurous sport, allowing people to navigate fast-flowing rivers using inflatable rafts.
  • The first recorded instance of recreational rafting occurred in the 1940s in the United States, leading to a significant outdoor activity trend.

Engineering

  • Modern rafts can be made from various materials, including rubber and PVC, designed for durability and safety on water.
  • Raft design has expanded to include features like multiple air chambers to enhance stability and buoyancy during adventures.

Culture

  • Rafts are featured in many stories and films, symbolizing freedom and adventure, such as in Mark Twain's 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn'.
  • In various cultures, floating festivals and events often incorporate rafts, celebrating community and connection with water.

Origin of 'raft'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'raft' comes from the Old Norse word 'raptr', meaning a floating platform or a flat object.
  • In many languages, similar terms for 'raft' highlight its function as a floating object, emphasizing its simplicity and utility.

The word 'raft' originated from Middle English 'raft', which meant 'a collection of logs'. It is believed to have roots in Old Norse 'raptr', meaning 'log'. The usage of rafts dates back to ancient times when they were used for transportation on water. Over the years, rafts have evolved from simple log structures to more sophisticated designs used for various purposes.

See also: rafter.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,605, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.