afoot
/əˈfʊt/ (bre, ipa) · /əˈfʊt/ (ame, ipa) · /ə-ˈfu̇t/ (ame, mw)
afoot — adjective
- afootpositive
- more afootcomparative
- most afootsuperlative
1. happening or being secretly prepared, especially when the full details are not y
happening or being secretly prepared, especially when the full details are not yet known to everyone
Rumors of a merger between the two banks had been afoot for weeks before the news broke.
rumors + afoot for events not yet confirmed
The children sensed that some kind of birthday surprise was afoot when their parents began whispering.
sensed + was afoot for noticing signs of a plan
Plans are afoot to turn the empty factory into a public library and an arts space.
By the time the police arrived, whatever illegal deal had been afoot was already finished.
Big changes are afoot at the hospital now that the new director has taken charge.
- underway
more neutral and common in everyday speech; lacks the secretive tone
- brewing
suggests something is developing slowly, often with negative consequences
- in the works
informal; focuses on the planning stage rather than the hidden aspect
文法句型
be + afoot
there is/are + noun + afoot
plans are afoot to + infinitive
用法筆記
This adjective is only used predicatively (after a linking verb such as 'be', 'seem', or 'become') and never before a noun. It often carries a tone of mild mystery or secrecy — something is afoot because it is being quietly arranged, not because it is already obvious.
常見錯誤
afoot — adverb
1. by walking rather than by using a vehicle, bicycle, or animal
by walking rather than by using a vehicle, bicycle, or animal
The hikers traveled afoot through the national park for five days.
'travel afoot' — literary register
With her car in the repair shop, Lena had to go afoot to the grocery store.
The soldiers marched afoot across the muddy fields at dawn.
Coming afoot along the winding coastal path, Theo stopped often to admire the sea views.
Ms. Okonkwo preferred to arrive afoot whenever the weather was pleasant and she had time.
文法句型
travel + afoot
go + afoot
come + afoot
用法筆記
This sense is somewhat literary or old-fashioned. In everyday conversation, speakers of English almost always say 'on foot' instead of 'afoot'. Common in narrative writing, historical accounts, and travelogues.