Definition of the word afloat

The word "afloat" originally stemmed from the Old Norse word " Álf texts," which meant "free from danger," "liberated," or "safe." This word was then adapted by Old English speakers and transformed into "alfæd," meaning "free from danger, safe, or intact." The nautical meaning of "afloat," which refers to a vessel that is floating or not grounded, comes from the Middle English term "altoflete" or "altoflede." In this context, "a-" is a prefix meaning "not," while "float" is derived from the Old English word "flotan," which implies "to set sail," "navigate," or "float." Over time, the spelling of "a-" changed to "afl-," as in the current form of "afloat." The term also evolved to include boats that are actively moving through the water, not just those that are stationary but still afloat. Today, the word "afloat" is used as a verb and an adjective, with the meaning of being free from danger, adrift in water, or freed from a surface on which it was previously resting. It's also used as a metaphorical term to describe something that's moving forward or continuing to function successfully.