afloat — floating on water; not sinking
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: floating on water; not sinking
Pronunciation (IPA): /əˈfloʊt/
Example Sentences
- My pizza delivery business is barely staying afloat because I keep eating the profits!
- The boat remained afloat despite the storm.
- She used her savings to keep the restaurant afloat during tough times.
afloat
ADJECTIVE[/əˈfloʊt/]
floating on water; not sinking
a young child carefully places a colorful toy boat onto the calm lake water. The wooden boat bobs gently on the surface, staying perfectly afloat without sinking. Next to the dock, a friendly dog watches as its tennis ball floats nearby after being dropped. The child points excitedly at both floating objects while an adult beside them smiles and nods approvingly. objects floating on water and not sinking
While the boat stays afloat, he plays each floating note!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Old English 'on flote', literally meaning 'in a floating state'. The prefix 'a-' (meaning 'on' or 'in') was combined with 'float', an ancient word describing the action of remaining buoyant on water, to express the condition of being afloat.
Breakdown
a- (on, in) + float (to remain buoyant on water, from Old English 'flotan'). The 'a-' prefix transforms the verb into an adjectival or adverbial state.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My pizza delivery business is barely staying afloat because I keep eating the profits!”
“The boat remained afloat despite the storm.”
“She used her savings to keep the restaurant afloat during tough times.”
“The cork kept the fishing net afloat on the surface.”
📚Related Words
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