afloat
UK: əˈfləʊt | US: əˈfloʊt
adj. floating on water or air; not sinking
adj. financially solvent or out of debt
adj. circulating or current (e.g., rumors)
The word "afloat" combines the Old English prefix "a-" (meaning "on" or "in," derived from "on" or "an") with "float," from Old English "flotian" (to rest on liquid). The prefix "a-" was commonly used in Middle English to form predicative adjectives (e.g., "asleep," "awake"). "Float" traces back to Proto-Germanic *flutōną, related to fluidity and buoyancy. Together, "afloat" literally means "in a floating state," evolving metaphorically to describe financial stability or widespread circulation.
The boat remained afloat despite the storm.
After paying off his debts, he finally felt financially afloat.
Rumors about the merger kept the stock prices afloat.
The balloon stayed afloat for hours.
She used a life jacket to stay afloat in the pool.