float

1 of 2verb

/floʊt/

Forms:floats,floating,floated,floated

to be in motion on a body of water or current of air at a slow pace

As the paper boat was set adrift, it started to float lazily along the tranquil pond.
The colorful leaves detached from the trees and began to float gently down the river.
The small fishing boat continued to float peacefully on the calm lake.
The feather, caught by the breeze, began to float in the air.
In the serene evening, the hot air balloon began to float gracefully across the sky.

Synonyms:

to remain on or near the surface of a liquid without sinking to the bottom

The colorful rubber duck floated in the bathtub.
Despite its weight, the boat's design allowed it to float on the water.
In the calm lake, the fallen leaves would float gracefully on the water's surface.
The life jacket is designed to help individuals float in the water.
As the ice melted, the chunks would float in the drink, cooling it without diluting the flavor too quickly.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

to release or place something on a liquid surface, allowing it to move freely

transitive

They would float lanterns on the river during the festival
The children eagerly gathered at the pond to float their handmade paper boats.
The shipbuilder decided to float the newly constructed vessel into the harbor
Mourners gathered at the riverbank to float candles in memory of their loved ones

to allow a currency to vary in value based on market forces, without direct government intervention

transitive

In a move towards economic liberalization, the government decided to float the national currency.
The finance minister explained that the decision to float the currency was aimed at fostering a more competitive export market.
After abandoning the fixed exchange rate, the country decided to float its currency.
The central bank's decision to float the currency led to increased volatility in the foreign exchange market.
In times of economic uncertainty, central banks may decide to float their currency to absorb shocks.

to smooth or level a surface, such as plaster or cement, using a tool called a float

transitive

The skilled mason carefully floated the freshly applied plaster on the wall.
To create a polished look, the artisan decided to float the cement countertop.
The construction team employed a skilled plasterer to float the exterior walls.
Before applying the final coat of stucco, the workers took the time to float the base layer
The experienced tile setter knew the importance of floating the mortar to create a level and even surface.

to move in a relaxed, unhurried, or carefree manner

The dancer seemed to float across the stage, moving with grace and ease.
In the idyllic meadow, butterflies would float from flower to flower.
As the soft music played, couples would float across the dance floor.
The clouds seemed to float across the sky, their leisurely movement creating ever-changing patterns.

to be passed around or circulated, often in the context of rumors, ideas, or information

Rumors began to float about the unexpected changes in the company's leadership.
The intriguing concept of the new product design started to float among the team members.
In the close-knit community, any news about a major event would quickly float among the residents.
As the innovative idea gained momentum, it started to float within the industry.
The controversial proposal began to float among the board members.

to bring suggestions, plans, or ideas forward for further consideration

transitive

During the team meeting, she decided to float the idea of a flexible work schedule.
Before finalizing the budget, the financial analyst chose to float a proposal for cost-cutting measures.
The department head chose to float a proposal for a new project management system.
During the town hall meeting, residents were invited to float their concerns and ideas.
The project manager decided to float a trial period for remote work to evaluate its impact.