float
8 synonyms and 1 antonym for float, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To rest or stay on the surface of a liquid instead of sinking.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use float
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
float on water
float an idea
float the company
a parade float
Etymology
From Old English flotian ("to float"), from a Germanic root related to flow and fleet.
Full origin of float →Frequently asked questions
What does “float” mean?
The word “float” means to rest or stay on the surface of a liquid instead of sinking. In plain terms, to stay on top of a liquid or drift through the air, or (more loosely) to put an idea out there or list a company on the stock market.
How do you pronounce “float”?
“Float” is pronounced floht (/floʊt/ in IPA).
How do you use “float” in a sentence?
Here is “float” used in a sentence: “Wood floats because it is less dense than water.”
What part of speech is “float”?
Depending on how it is used, “float” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “float” come from?
The word “float” comes from Old English. From Old English flotian ("to float"), from a Germanic root related to flow and fleet.
Is “float” a common word?
“Float” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “float” have?
“Float” has 8 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to rest or stay on the surface of a liquid instead of sinking.
What is the difference between 'float' and 'sink'?
To 'float' is to rest or stay on the surface of a liquid instead of sinking. To 'sink' is to go down below the surface. Whether an object floats or sinks depends on its density compared with the liquid.
What is the difference between 'float' and 'drift'?
'Float' means to rest on a liquid's surface or move gently through air or water without sinking. 'Drift' stresses being carried along slowly by a current or the air, often without control. Something can float in one spot, but to drift is to move.
