buoyant

[ boi-uhnt, boo-yuhnt ]

adjective

1. tending to float in a fluid.
2. capable of keeping a body afloat, as a liquid.
3. not easily depressed; cheerful.

   Synonyms: sunny, jaunty, breezy, lighthearted, happy

4. cheering or invigorating.

buoyant

/ ˈbɔɪənt /

adjective

1. able to float in or rise to the surface of a liquid
2. (of a liquid or gas) able to keep a body afloat or cause it to rise
3. cheerful or resilient

Other Words From

• buoyant·ly adverb
• non·buoyant adjective
• non·buoyant·ly adverb
• un·buoyant adjective
• un·buoyant·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of buoyant¹

First recorded in 1570–80; buoy + -ant

Word History and Origins

Origin of buoyant¹

C16: probably from Spanish boyante , from boyar to float, from boya buoy, ultimately of Germanic origin

Example Sentences

One Southampton player in buoyant mood will be defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who scored on his England debut against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday.

From BBC

It was again funded largely using business rate receipts which were “more buoyant than we expected”.

From BBC

“I understand it to be a buoyant nature when you are possessed. You do succumb to being a conduit for the communication of ancestral knowledge and information.”

From Los Angeles Times

The mood in Nevada on Tuesday was buoyant.

From BBC

Perhaps some game time against Australia at a buoyant Allianz Stadium, and after a decent performance against the All Blacks, is a good opportunity.

From BBC

Related Words

• bouncy
• breezy
• bright
• cheerful
• expansive
• jaunty
• jovial
• joyful
• lighthearted
• lively
• peppy
• resilient
• sunny