| 释义 |
afloat
\əˈflōt, usu -ōd.+V\ adverb (or adjective)
Etymology: Middle English aflote, aflot, from Old English on flote, on flot, from on + flote, flot, dative & accusative respectively of flot deep water, sea; akin to Old English flēotan to float — more at float
1.
a. : borne on the water : not aground : floating
< though badly battered, the boat remained afloat >
b. : at sea : away from port
< all the ships are stillafloat >
c. : buoyed up, floating, or suspended on, in, or as if on or in water, air, or any similar medium
< water lilies placidly afloat >
< her hair afloat in the summer breeze >
< afloat on a tide of happiness — Marcia Davenport >
d. : on shipboard — used of persons or goods
< preference for duty afloat — Louis Auchincloss >
< a large quantity of wheat still afloat >
2. : free of difficulties, especially financial ones or those requiring the intervention of outside assistance : self-sufficient
< the inheritance kept them afloat for years >
3.
a. : circulating about from one individual or place to another : rumored
< a story was afloat that they faced bankruptcy >
b. : moving about haphazardly without guide or control : adrift
< they were confused, afloat, unable to plan for the future >
4. : flooded with or submerged under water : awash
< the ship's main deck was afloat >
5. : actively functioning : fully operating
< a neat publishing venture, set afloat at the right time > |