How to pronounce afloat
Say it like uh-FLOHT. Afloat has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FLOHT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce afloat. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- FLOHT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Afloat pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- FLOHTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of afloat
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: uh-FLOHT.
What does afloat mean?
- In or into a state of floating.
- In, or while in, a vessel at sea or on another body of water; at sea.
- Under water (bearing floating objects).
- Floating.“A rubber duck and other toys were afloat in the bath.”
- In, or found while in, a vessel at sea or on another body of water.
- Floating in the air; flowing freely; not tied, braided, etc. (of hair or clothing)
Where does afloat come from?
From a- + float.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with afloat
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of afloat.
Questions about saying afloat
How do you pronounce afloat?
Say uh-FLOHT. The American pronunciation is /əˈfloʊt/. In British English it is /əˈfləʊt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in afloat?
Afloat has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FLOHT). Broken into parts: uh · FLOHT.
Is afloat pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /əˈfləʊt/ (uh-FLOHT).