Pronunciation: [kˈɛpt ɐflˈə͡ʊt] (IPA) 
The phrase "kept afloat" is spelled in the following manner: /kɛpt əˈfloʊt/. The word "kept" is pronounced with a short "e" sound in the first syllable and a voiced "t" at the end. "Afloat" is pronounced with a long "a" sound in the first syllable and a voiceless "t" at the end. The phrase means to maintain financial or personal stability or to keep something from sinking. It is a common idiom used in everyday language.
"Kept afloat" is a phrase that refers to the act of maintaining financial stability or preventing a business, organization, or individual from facing a financial collapse or failure. It signifies an ability to survive or sustain operations, particularly in the face of financial challenges or difficulties.
When a business or organization is said to be "kept afloat," it suggests that they are able to manage their expenses, debts, and financial obligations in a way that prevents insolvency or bankruptcy. This can involve measures such as managing cash flow effectively, reducing expenses, increasing revenue, seeking investment or financing options, or restructuring debts. By implementing these strategies, the entity can ensure its continued existence and ability to function without falling into financial ruin.
On an individual level, "kept afloat" implies that a person is able to maintain their financial well-being by managing their income, expenses, and debts effectively. This may involve budgeting, saving, reducing unnecessary expenditures, or finding supplementary sources of income to prevent falling into financial hardship.
Overall, when something or someone is able to be "kept afloat," it indicates their capacity to navigate and persevere through financial challenges, remain solvent, and avoid ultimate failure or collapse.
The phrase "kept afloat" is composed of two words: "kept" and "afloat".
The word "kept" is the past tense and past participle of the verb "keep", which originated from the Old English word "cēpan" meaning "to keep, care for, watch over". It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word "kopjanan", which shares a similar meaning.
The word "afloat" is an adverb that describes something that remains buoyant or not sinking. It is a combination of the prefix "a-" meaning "on, in" and the word "float", which comes from the Middle English word "flot" and ultimately from the Old English word "flotian" meaning "to float, swim, flow". The Old English word has roots in the Proto-Germanic word "flutōną".
