adv

afoot

uh-FUUT

Afoot (adv) means Happening, in progress, or being planned, often secretly. Example: “There were rumours that something was afoot at head office.”

adv

Happening, in progress, or being planned, often secretly.

"There were rumours that something was afoot at head office."

"Plans were afoot to merge the two departments."

How to use afoot

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsed to say something is happening or being set in motion, often with a hint of intrigue.

Common pairings

something is afoot plans afoot

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There were rumours that something was _____ at head office.

Etymology

Literally "on foot," from Old English on fot; the figurative "in progress" sense developed later.

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for afoot

oot foot boot root moot loot coot hoot toot soot doot zoot

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Frequently asked questions

What does “afoot” mean?

The word “afoot” means happening, in progress, or being planned, often secretly. In plain terms, used to say something is happening or being set in motion, often with a hint of intrigue.

How do you pronounce “afoot”?

“Afoot” is pronounced uh-FUUT (/əˈfʊt/ in IPA).

How do you use “afoot” in a sentence?

Here is “afoot” used in a sentence: “There were rumours that something was afoot at head office.”

What part of speech is “afoot”?

“Afoot” is an adverb.

Where does the word “afoot” come from?

The word “afoot” comes from Old English. Literally "on foot," from Old English on fot; the figurative "in progress" sense developed later.

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Vocabulary lists that include afoot:

Words with old & middle English origins