Soar Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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soar

[sɔːr ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in the sky

To fly or rise high in the air with little effort, often in a majestic or impressive manner.

Synonyms

ascend, fly, glide, hover.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
soar	Used when something rises quickly and smoothly, often associated with a sense of freedom or excitement. Frequently used for talking about birds, airplanes, or even prices or emotions. The eagle soared high above the mountains. After the product's launch, sales began to soar.
fly	General term for moving through the air, applicable to birds, insects, airplanes, or anything capable of flight. Can also be used metaphorically to suggest quick movement. The birds fly south for the winter. We will fly to Paris next week.
ascend	Formal context, often used to describe the act of moving upward, usually in a slower, more deliberate manner. Typically used in reference to climbing, stairs, or moving to a higher position or state. They began to ascend the mountain at dawn. She will ascend to the throne after the king's passing.
glide	Used to describe a smooth, effortless movement through the air, often with little or no propulsion. Associated with gracefulness and ease, can also be used metaphorically to suggest smooth motions on surfaces like ice or water. The swan glided gracefully across the pond. The hang glider glided over the valley.
hover	Refers to remaining in one place in the air, often used when something stays steady or suspends in mid-air. Commonly used for helicopters, drones, and hummingbirds. The helicopter hovered above the landing pad. The dragonfly hovered near the surface of the water.

Examples of usage

The eagle soared high above the mountains.
His spirits soared as he reached the mountain peak.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

prices, numbers

To increase rapidly or dramatically.

Synonyms

escalate, rise, rocket, surge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
soar	Use when describing a rapid and significant upward movement, often used for positive contexts such as improvement or success. The eagle soared high above the mountains After the new marketing campaign, sales began to soar
rise	Commonly used for a gradual or general upward movement in various contexts, including both positive and neutral situations. The sun rises in the east There has been a steady rise in the company's profits over the past year
rocket	Best used for describing an extremely fast and sudden increase, usually in numbers or prices, and often associated with surprising or extraordinary growth. The company's stock price rocketed after the announcement of the new product Sales of the new smartphone have rocketed since its release
surge	Ideal for describing a powerful and often unexpected upward movement, frequently used in the context of energy, emotions, or large groups. There was a surge of adrenaline as the roller coaster began its descent The stadium experienced a surge in crowd noise when the home team scored
escalate	Appropriate when describing a situation or action that is intensifying or becoming more serious, often used in negative contexts. The conflict between the two countries began to escalate The costs of production have escalated due to the new regulations

Examples of usage

The stock prices soared after the company's announcement.
The temperature soared to record levels.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

aviation

The act of gliding or flying at a great height.

Synonyms

ascend, flight, glide.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
soar	The word 'soar' is best used when describing something rising or flying high in the air, often swiftly and smoothly. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a rapid increase in something like prices or emotions. The eagle soared high above the mountains Housing prices continue to soar in the city
glide	The word 'glide' is used to describe smooth and effortless motion, often without visible means of support. This can apply to flying, moving on water, or even moving gracefully across different surfaces. The swan glided gracefully across the lake She seemed to glide across the dance floor
flight	The word 'flight' is commonly used to refer to the act of flying, particularly in the context of birds, airplanes, and other forms of air travel. It can also denote the escape from something. The flight from New York to London was smooth The bird took flight as the cat approached
ascend	The term 'ascend' is appropriate for describing the act of moving upward, particularly in a gradual or deliberate manner. It can also be used in a metaphorical sense to describe progress or advancement. The hikers began to ascend the steep trail She plans to ascend the ranks in her company

Examples of usage

The pilot performed a breathtaking soar over the city.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

Birds use thermal updrafts – rising columns of warm air – to soar without flapping their wings.
The study of flight dynamics explains how certain shapes, like wings, allow for soaring and gliding.
Scientists are exploring how human-made devices can mimic birds' soaring abilities through design.

Pop Culture

The song 'I Believe I Can Fly' embodies the idea of soaring, symbolizing freedom and overcoming obstacles.
In animation, characters often soar through the air to show excitement or liberation, like super heroes or fantasy creatures.
Movies like 'The Secret Life of Pets' feature soaring animals, emphasizing their playful and adventurous nature.

Psychology

Soaring can metaphorically represent feelings of happiness and achievement, contributing to overall well-being.
In motivational contexts, 'to soar' is often related to reaching goals and personal growth.
Visualizing oneself soaring can be a technique used in positive psychology to boost confidence.

Literature

Soaring is a common metaphor in poetry, often used to describe freedom, aspiration, or spiritual elevation.
Classic works often contrast soaring figures with those grounded, using it to illustrate themes of ambition and limitation.
Authors like Emily Dickinson and John Keats have used the idea of soaring to express lofty emotions and ideals.

Origin of 'soar'

Main points about word origin

The word 'soar' comes from the Old French 'sore', which meant to fly high.
It has roots in the Latin word 'salire', meaning 'to leap' or 'to jump'.
Originally, the term was used to describe birds and later expanded to other objects and beings.

The word 'soar' originated from the Old English word 'sorian' which meant 'to fly swiftly'. Over time, it evolved to represent the act of flying or rising high in the air with little effort. The concept of soaring has been associated with freedom, majesty, and achievement, making it a powerful symbol in various contexts such as nature, aviation, and personal growth.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,379, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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17376 radiography
17377 striated
17378 elucidated
17379 soar
17380 shack
17381 disgraced
17382 unregulated
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