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Flow: meaning, definitions and examples

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flow

 

[fləʊ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in nature

The action or fact of moving along in a steady, continuous stream. It can refer to the movement of water in a river, the movement of air, or the movement of a large group of people.

Synonyms

current, movement, stream.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flow

Used to describe the continuous movement of a liquid, gas, or other substance, or the smooth and uninterrupted progress of an idea or conversation.

  • The river's flow is quite strong this time of year.
  • Her speech had a natural flow that captivated the audience.
stream

Often used to describe a small, flowing body of water, or to refer to a continuous flow of data or media content.

  • The kids spent the afternoon playing by the stream.
  • You can stream movies and music online nowadays.
current

Often used when talking about the movement of water or air in a particular direction, as well as in discussions about electricity.

  • The ocean current can be dangerous for inexperienced swimmers.
  • He got an electric shock from touching a live current.
movement

Refers to a general act or process of changing position or location, as well as social, political, or artistic activities that aim to achieve a certain goal.

  • The dancer's movement was full of grace and precision.
  • The civil rights movement had a profound impact on society.

Examples of usage

  • Watching the flow of the river was so peaceful.
  • The flow of traffic was heavy during rush hour.
  • She joined the flow of people heading towards the concert venue.
Context #2 | Verb

creative process

To move or proceed smoothly and continuously. It is often used in the context of creative activities, such as writing, painting, or improvising.

Synonyms

continue, move, proceed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flow

Used to describe the smooth, continuous movement of liquid, gas, or even ideas and information. Best suited for situations where there is a natural, uninterrupted progression.

  • The river began to flow more quickly after the rain.
  • Information needs to flow freely for effective communication.
move

Used to describe changing position, location, or putting something into motion. It can also describe changing topics or phases.

  • He decided to move to another city.
  • Let's move on to the next topic.
proceed

Used to indicate going forward, often in a formal or structured context. It is frequently used in instructions or official contexts.

  • After receiving your ticket, you may proceed to the boarding gate.
  • The meeting will proceed as scheduled.
continue

Used when something is not stopping and is going on from a previous point, often after a pause or interruption.

  • After a short break, we will continue with the next topic.
  • Please continue your presentation.

Examples of usage

  • She let her thoughts flow onto the paper.
  • The artist allowed the paint to flow freely on the canvas.
  • During the performance, the musician let the music flow from her heart.

Translations

Translations of the word "flow" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fluxo

🇮🇳 प्रवाह

🇩🇪 Fluss

🇮🇩 aliran

🇺🇦 потік

🇵🇱 przepływ

🇯🇵 流れ (nagare)

🇫🇷 flux

🇪🇸 flujo

🇹🇷 akış

🇰🇷 흐름 (heuleum)

🇸🇦 تدفق

🇨🇿 tok

🇸🇰 prúd

🇨🇳 流动 (liúdòng)

🇸🇮 tok

🇮🇸 flæði

🇰🇿 ағыс

🇬🇪 დინება

🇦🇿 axın

🇲🇽 flujo

Etymology

The word 'flow' originated from the Old English word 'flowan' meaning 'to flow, stream, or gush'. Over time, it has evolved to encompass various meanings related to movement and continuity. The concept of flow has been explored in philosophy, psychology, and creative arts, highlighting its significance in understanding harmony and progress.

See also: flower, flowing, flowingly, inflow, outflow, overflow.

Word Frequency Rank

At #733 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.