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
1
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 notesIn 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.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for afoot
See all rhymes for afoot →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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