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Afloat - Comprehensive Dictionary Page

Afloat

Part of Speech

Adjective, Adverb

Pronunciation

/əˈfləʊt/ (uh-FLOAT)

Definitions

  1. Floating on or in water; not sinking.
  2. In a state of balance, often referring to financial stability (e.g., keeping afloat in a business context).
  3. Being in circulation or ongoing (e.g., an afloat idea or rumor).

Usage Examples

  • The boat remained afloat despite the storm.
  • The company managed to stay afloat during the economic downturn.
  • The news about the new policy is still afloat in the media.

Etymology

Originates from Middle English "aflote," meaning "on the surface of the water," from Old French "aflot," meaning "floating." The term is a combination of "a-" meaning "on" and "flot" meaning "a float" (related to the verb "floter").

Synonyms

  • Floating
  • Buoyant
  • Hovering
  • Suspended

Antonyms

  • Sinking
  • Submerged
  • Immersed

Translations

Language Translation Pronunciation
Spanish Aflotado /aˈflotaðo/
French À flot /a flɔ/
German Schwimmend /ˈʃvɪmənd/
Hindi तैरते हुए /tɛːrte huwe/
Chinese (Mandarin) 漂浮 /piāo fú/

Regional Pronunciation Variations

  • American English: /əˈfloʊt/
  • British English: /əˈfləʊt/

Historical Usage

The term "afloat" has been in use since the 14th century, primarily to describe objects floating on water. It gained additional metaphorical meanings in the 19th and 20th centuries, referring to financial stability or circulation of ideas.

Cultural Nuances

In various cultures, the concept of staying "afloat" is often associated with resilience, particularly in business and personal circumstances. The metaphor of staying afloat in times of crisis is a common theme in literature, films, and even motivational contexts.

More Information

The idea of being "afloat" transcends its literal meaning of floating on water. It is often used to describe individuals, organizations, or situations that manage to survive difficult conditions without sinking or failing. In financial contexts, businesses use the term to describe their ability to stay profitable during economic challenges.

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