Buoyancy: meaning, definitions and examples

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buoyancy

 

[ ˈbɔɪənsi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

physics

The ability or tendency of an object or substance to float or rise in a fluid.

Synonyms

floatability, flotation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
buoyancy

Often used in scientific contexts to describe the property that allows objects to float in fluid. It can also refer to a person's lively and optimistic disposition.

  • Life jackets are designed to provide buoyancy and keep you afloat.
  • Her natural buoyancy of spirit helped her overcome many obstacles.

Examples of usage

  • The buoyancy of the boat kept it afloat in the water.
  • Helium balloons have positive buoyancy because they float in the air.
Context #2 | Noun

general

An optimistic and cheerful disposition.

Synonyms

cheerfulness, optimism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
buoyancy

Typically used to describe physical properties, such as the ability to float in water, or metaphorically to describe a person's resilience in difficult situations.

  • The buoyancy of the lifeboat ensured that it would not sink.
  • Her buoyancy and spirit were evident even in the face of adversity.
optimism

Used when describing a hopeful and positive outlook towards the future, often despite challenges or uncertainties.

  • Her optimism about the project's success inspired the whole team.
  • Even after the setbacks, he maintained an unwavering optimism.
cheerfulness

Often used to describe a person's positive and happy demeanor or attitude.

  • Her cheerfulness was contagious, and soon everyone was smiling.
  • He greeted each day with an unshakeable cheerfulness.

Examples of usage

  • Despite the challenges she faced, her buoyancy never wavered.
  • His buoyancy lifted the spirits of everyone around him.

Translations

Translations of the word "buoyancy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 flutuabilidade

🇮🇳 उत्प्लावन

🇩🇪 Auftrieb

🇮🇩 daya apung

🇺🇦 плавучість

🇵🇱 wyporność

🇯🇵 浮力 (ふりょく)

🇫🇷 flottabilité

🇪🇸 flotabilidad

🇹🇷 yüzerlik

🇰🇷 부력 (浮力)

🇸🇦 طفو

🇨🇿 vztlak

🇸🇰 vztlak

🇨🇳 浮力 (fúlì)

🇸🇮 plovnost

🇮🇸 flotkraftur

🇰🇿 жүзгіштік

🇬🇪 მცურაობა

🇦🇿 üzmə qabiliyyəti

🇲🇽 flotabilidad

Etymology

The word 'buoyancy' originated from the Old French word 'buoiance', meaning 'to buoy up'. It has been used in English since the late 18th century. The concept of buoyancy in physics was first described by the ancient Greek mathematician Archimedes, who stated that an object immersed in a fluid is buoyed up by a force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,311, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.