Buoyant Meaning and Definition
Buoyant
Pronunciation
/baɪˈu.ənt/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Having the ability to float or remain suspended in water or air; light and airy; able to rise easily to the surface.
Examples
- The helium balloon was buoyant and floated up to the ceiling.
- The ship’s buoyant hull allowed it to stay afloat in the rough waters.
- The floating flowers gave a buoyant appearance to the garden pond.
- The cotton balls in the vial were buoyant and could be easily lifted with a straw.
- The engineer designed the lightweight and buoyant structure to minimize wind resistance.
Synonyms
- Light
- Aerial
- Floating
Antonyms
- Heavy
- Sinkable
- Stagnant
Etymology
Buoyant comes from the Old French word “buoyant”, derived from the Latin “buoianus”, meaning “able to float”.
Usage Notes
Buoyant is often used to describe objects or substances that are able to float or rise easily. It can also be used to describe something that gives a sense of lightness or airiness.
Cultural References
Buoyant has been used in various cultural contexts, including literature, music, and film. For example, the phrase “buoyant spirits” was used in a song by the American rock band Rush.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- A buoyant spirit
- Buoyed up by
Related Words or Phrases
- Float
- Sink
- Lightweight
Collocations
- Buoyant balloon
- Buoyant boat
- Buoyant feeling
Frequency of Use
Buoyant is a relatively uncommon word, but it is used in a variety of contexts to describe the ability to float or rise easily.
Common Misspellings
Buoynt, Buoyent, Buoiant