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afloat

adjective or adverb \ ə-ˈflōt \

Definition of afloat

1 a :borne on or as if on the water
b :being at sea
2 :free of difficulties :self-sufficient
  • the inheritance kept them afloat for years
3 a :circulating about
  • nasty stories were afloat
b :adrift

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Origin and Etymology of afloat

Middle English aflot, from Old English on flot, from on + flot, from flot deep water, sea; akin to Old English flēotan to float — more at fleet

AFLOAT Defined for English Language Learners

afloat

adjective

Definition of afloat for English Language Learners

  • : floating on water

  • : having enough money to continue : able to continue without suffering financial failure

AFLOAT Defined for Kids

afloat

adverb or adjective \ ə-ˈflōt \

Definition of afloat for Students

:carried on or as if on water
  • The boat stayed afloat through the storm.

Learn More about afloat

  1. See words that rhyme with afloat Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for afloat Spanish Central: Translation of afloat Nglish: Translation of afloat for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of afloat for Arabic speakers

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