Soar: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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