Word: Float

Pronunciation

/fləʊt/

Definitions

• Noun:

  • An object designed to be buoyant and stay on the surface of a liquid, often used for decoration, display, or as a means of transport on water. Example: “The parade featured colorful floats decorated with flowers.”
  • In finance, a temporary transfer of money from one bank account to another to cover potential overdrafts or meet short-term needs. Example: “The company arranged a cash float to manage its daily transactions.”

• Verb:

  • (intransitive) To rest or move along the surface of a liquid without sinking. Example: “A duck can float on water.”
  • (transitive) To cause something to rest or move on the surface of a liquid. Example: “He floated the toy boat on the pond.”
  • (figurative) To remain suspended or hover. Example: “Thoughts floated through her mind as she drifted off to sleep.”
  • (finance) To issue new securities for public subscription or trade, typically stocks or bonds. Example: “The government plans to float shares in the national airline.”

• Adjective:

  • Describing something that can stay on the surface of a liquid without sinking. Example: “These buoys are made of float material.”
  • (informal) Not fixed; subject to change or fluctuation. Example: “Prices may float depending on market conditions.”

Phrases

• “Float like a butterfly” - metaphorically referring to moving lightly, gracefully, or effortlessly.
• “Let it float” - suggesting not to interfere or act immediately, allowing a situation to unfold naturally.
• “To have afloat” - to have something functioning or maintained successfully, especially finances or a business venture.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The festival included a procession of creatively designed floats.”
• Verb: “She watched as the leaves gently floated down the stream.”
• Adjective: “This type of wood is so light that even large pieces will float.”

Synonyms

• Noun: Raft, buoy, pontoon
• Verb: Drift, hover, soar, glide, ride
• Adjective: Buoyant, unanchored, variable, undetermined