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 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

The teams now head to Bristol with a buoyant England hoping to complete the turnaround from 2-0 down.

From BBC

People in the gallery — including you — get visually lassoed by the rings, almost as if being perceptually tethered against the buoyant possibility of floating away.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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