The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

buoyant

IPA:

Dictionary definition of buoyant

Having the ability to float or rise in a fluid, typically due to an inherent lightness or the upward force exerted by the surrounding liquid.
"The boat remained buoyant despite the strong waves crashing against it."

Detailed meaning of buoyant

In a more general sense, "buoyant" can also describe an object or material that exhibits resilience, liveliness, or a cheerful and optimistic attitude. For instance, a buoyant cork floating on water exemplifies its physical buoyancy, while a buoyant spirit reflects a positive and resilient outlook on life, often characterized by enthusiasm and hopefulness. In economic contexts, "buoyant" is used to describe a healthy and growing market or economy that displays vitality and the capacity for expansion. Overall, "buoyant" conveys the idea of something that is either physically capable of floating or possesses a lively and optimistic quality, suggesting a lightness or uplifting nature.

Example sentences containing buoyant

1. The buoyant boat glided effortlessly on the calm water.
2. Her buoyant spirit lifted the entire room's mood.
3. The helium-filled balloon was incredibly buoyant.
4. The swimmer's buoyant body floated gracefully in the pool.
5. The beach ball's buoyant bounce delighted the children.
6. The cork's buoyant properties made it perfect for sealing wine bottles.

History and etymology of buoyant

The adjective 'buoyant' traces its etymology back to the French word 'buoyant,' which is derived from the Old French term 'buoant' or 'boiant,' meaning 'floating' or 'buoyant.' Old French, in turn, borrowed this word from the Latin 'buiare,' which means 'to float on the water.' The Latin word 'buiare' is related to 'buoy' in English, and both words share a common origin in the Proto-Indo-European root '*bheu-' meaning 'to swell' or 'to expand.' This rich etymological history highlights the idea that something 'buoyant' has the ability to float or rise in a fluid, typically due to its inherent lightness or the upward force exerted by the surrounding liquid, echoing its historical connection to floating on water.

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Further usage examples of buoyant

1. The life jacket kept him safely buoyant in the rough sea.
2. The astronaut's suit had a buoyant design for spacewalks.
3. The kayak's buoyant hull made it stable on the river.
4. His buoyant personality made him a favorite at parties.
5. The buoyant rubber duck bobbed on the bathwater's surface.
6. The hot air balloon was lifted by its buoyant envelope.
7. The swimmer felt buoyant in the salty ocean water.
8. The buoyant fish effortlessly moved through the coral reef.
9. The beach sandcastle stood tall thanks to its buoyant foundation.
10. The foam mat was surprisingly buoyant in the swimming pool.
11. The astronaut's training involved experiencing buoyant conditions.
12. The bubbles in the sparkling water made it feel buoyant.
13. The buoyant mood in the stadium was contagious.
14. The marshmallow's buoyant texture made it a campfire favorite.
15. The buoyant economy led to increased investments in the country.
16. Her buoyant personality always lifted the spirits of those around her.
17. The market was buoyant, with stocks showing a significant upward trend.
18. His buoyant optimism helped the team stay motivated through tough times.
19. The buoyant music made everyone want to get up and dance.
20. After the successful launch of their product, the mood at the company was buoyant.
21. The swimmer used a buoyant device to stay afloat in the deep water.
22. The buoyant economy resulted in increased consumer spending and business investments.
23. Her buoyant laughter was contagious, filling the room with joy.
24. The helium balloons were buoyant and floated up to the ceiling.
25. His buoyant stride reflected the excitement he felt about the new opportunity.
26. The material’s buoyant properties made it ideal for manufacturing life vests.