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

“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 11-year-old on the boat with the Phommatheps was able to drift toward shore with the help of a life jacket and and a buoyant cooler, Phommathep said, recounting what the boy told her and officials.

From Los Angeles Times

The mood in Nevada on Tuesday was buoyant.

From BBC

In Hollywood shorthand, “The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh” could be described as “Fresh Off the Boat” meets “Never Have I Ever,” which is to say that the Prime Video series revolves around an immigrant family from India that is navigating life in America — more precisely, western Pennsylvania — with a buoyant spirit and some not quite ready for prime-time storylines.

From Los Angeles Times

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