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Float - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Float means to rest or move gently on the surface of a liquid or in the air without sinking. It can also refer to something light or buoyant, like a balloon.

float

/floʊt/ /fləʊt/

Definition:

To rest or move on the surface of a liquid without sinking.

Synonyms:

drift, hover, glide, bob

Part of Speech:

verb, noun

Antonyms:

sink, submerge

Common Collocations:

float away, float on water, float in the air

Derivatives:

floating, floater

Usage Tips:

Use "float" for objects on liquids or in air; avoid for heavy or sinking items.

Common Phrases:

float someone's boat, floating on air, float an idea

Etymology:

From Old English "flotian," meaning to rest or move on water.

Examples:

  • 1. The leaf will float downstream gently.
  • 2. She watched the balloon float into the sky.
  • 3. Ice cubes float in a glass of water.
  • 4. He tried to float the idea at the meeting.

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