afloat etymology

Etymology

The word "afloat" is derived from the Middle English word "aflote," which in turn comes from the Old English word "aflōte," meaning "on the surface of the water." The word "aflōte" is composed of two Old English words: "on" (which means "on") and "flōt" (which means "a floating body").

Meaning

The word "afloat" means "floating on the surface of a liquid, especially water." It can also be used figuratively to describe something that is not fixed or settled, or that is in a state of uncertainty.

Origin

The word "afloat" first appeared in the English language in the 14th century. It was originally used to describe ships and other floating objects. However, over time, the word came to be used more figuratively, to describe things that are not physically floating on water.

Examples

• The boat was afloat on the lake.
• The company's financial situation is afloat, but it could easily sink if the economy takes a downturn.
• I'm afloat in a sea of paperwork.
• The rumors about the minister's affair have been afloat for weeks.

afloat relate terms

• float

  Etymology French flotter to float Latin fluctuare to move in waves Proto Indo Euro

• float

  Etymology French flotter to float Latin fluctuare to move in waves Proto Indo Euro

• aware

  Etymology The word aware is derived from the Middle English word awere which in turn

• accursed

  Etymology The word accursed comes from the Late Latin word accursus which means to ru

• allay

  Etymology The word allay comes from the Old English word alegian meaning to reliev

• affright

  Etymology Old French affraier Late Latin exfrigidare meaning to cool or frighten L

• launch

  Etymology Old French lanchier lancier Vulgar Latin lanceāre Classical Latin lance

• flotsam

  Etymology Middle English from Middle French from Old Norse flotsamr from flōt sea

• hedge

  Etymology The word hedge has an Old English origin deriving from the word hecg whic

• humor

  Etymology The word humor derives from the Latin word humor meaning liquid or mois

• stadium

  Etymology The word stadium comes from the Greek word στάδιον stadion meanin

• vignette

  Etymology The word vignette comes from the French word vigne meaning vine or vine

• dearth

  Etymology Middle English derth from Old English deore dear precious costly Proto

• compensate

  Etymology Middle English compensaten from Latin compensare to weigh out together bal

• spoil

  Etymology The word spoil comes from the Old French word spolier which means to rob