Float Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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float
[fləʊt ]
Definitions
mathematics
To move or hover steadily in a liquid or the air without sinking or falling.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| float |
Used when something is lightly suspended in liquid or air without sinking.
|
| drift |
Refers to a slow, steady movement often caused by outside forces like wind or water currents.
|
| glide |
Describes a smooth and often effortless movement through or over a surface.
|
| hover |
Indicates staying in one place in the air, usually with slight, controlled movements.
|
Examples of usage
- The boat floated on the water.
- The balloon floated in the sky.
finance
A sum of money that is deposited or invested for a certain period and yields interest.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| float |
Usually used in finance to describe the release of a company’s shares to the public.
|
| capital |
Refers to wealth in the form of money or assets, used to start or maintain a business.
|
| investment |
Refers to the act of putting money into something to gain profit or achieve a return.
|
| fund |
Denotes a pool of money set aside for a specific purpose, often used in investing or saving.
|
Examples of usage
- She put her savings into a high-interest float.
- The company had a large cash float.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- The concept of floating is governed by the principle of buoyancy, which states that lighter objects can rest on heavier substances like water.
- Objects less dense than water will float, while denser objects will sink – that's why a big ship can float while a small rock cannot.
- Gasses, like helium in balloons, are lighter than air, allowing them to float up into the sky.
Art and Culture
- In literature, floating often symbolizes freedom, lightness, or the feeling of escape, as seen in various poetic works.
- Festivals around the world feature floating lanterns or boats, representing hopes and dreams, adding cultural significance to the concept.
- Children's animations frequently depict characters that float to convey whimsy and magic, creating a sense of wonder.
Technology
- In programming and software, 'floating-point' refers to a way of representing real numbers that can support a wide range of values.
- Innovations like floating wind turbines harness wind energy while floating on water, providing a renewable energy source.
- Buoyant structures are essential in marine architecture, allowing platforms and living spaces to adapt to changing tides.
Psychology
- The sensation of floating can evoke feelings of relaxation and weightlessness, often explored in mindfulness and meditation practices.
- Metaphorically, people may talk about 'floating' through life during times of stress or uncertainty, suggesting a lack of direction.
- Therapists sometimes use floatation therapy, an immersive experience in saltwater, to help reduce anxiety and enhance well-being.
Origin of 'float'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'flōtan', which means 'to swim or float'.
- Throughout history, variations of the term appeared in different languages, often describing buoyancy in water.
- Related terms in Middle English included 'floten', reflecting the development of the word through time.
The word 'float' originated from the Old English word 'flotian', which means to float or swim. Over time, the word evolved to encompass various meanings in different fields such as mathematics, finance, and even technology. The concept of floating has been integral to human activities, whether on water or in financial markets, making 'float' a versatile and enduring term.
See also: floatability, floating, flotation.