afloat

adverb, adjective

1. floating or borne on the water; in a floating condition: The ship was set afloat.
2. on board a ship, boat, raft, etc.; at sea: cargo afloat and ashore.
3. covered with water; flooded; awash: The main deck was afloat.
4. moving without being guided or controlled; drifting.
5. passing from place to place; in circulation: A rumor is afloat.
6. free of major trouble, especially financially solvent: to keep a venture afloat.

adjective, adverb (postpositive)

1. floating
2. aboard ship; at sea
3. covered with water; flooded
4. aimlessly driftingafloat in a sea of indecision
5. in circulation; afootnasty rumours were afloat
6. free of debt; solvent

adj.

Old English aflote, on flot, from a- “on” (see a- (1)) + float (v.).