buoyant

[boi-uhnt, boo-yuhnt]

adjective

1. tending to float in a fluid.

2. capable of keeping a body afloat, as a liquid.

3. not easily depressed; cheerful.

   Synonyms: sunny, jaunty, breezy, lighthearted, happy

4. cheering or invigorating.

buoyant

/ ˈbɔɪənt /

adjective

1. able to float in or rise to the surface of a liquid

2. (of a liquid or gas) able to keep a body afloat or cause it to rise

3. cheerful or resilient

Other Word Forms

• buoyantly adverb
• nonbuoyant adjective
• nonbuoyantly adverb
• unbuoyant adjective
• unbuoyantly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of buoyant¹

First recorded in 1570–80; buoy + -ant

Word History and Origins

Origin of buoyant¹

C16: probably from Spanish boyante , from boyar to float, from boya buoy, ultimately of Germanic origin

Example Sentences

After a shaky first year in office, buffeted by shrivelling approval ratings, he confronts a buoyant Reform UK.

From BBC

That first half was mesmeric; six tries, the impetus swinging this way and that, the Wallabies buoyant and then bruised, the Lions beleaguered and then battling hard to get back into it.

From BBC

Slipshod electric guitars spin like a lazy kite around strident acoustic guitars and a buoyant rhythm section.

From Salon

Factors such as Nottingham Forest having a remarkable season, Crystal Palace being based in London and Aston Villa's buoyant team chasing silverware under Unai Emery can be taken into consideration for those numbers.

From BBC

Arsenal fans outside the Bernabeu on Wednesday night were in a buoyant mood.

From BBC

Related Words

• bouncy 
• breezy 
• bright 
• cheerful 
• expansive 
• jaunty 
• jovial 
• joyful 
• lighthearted 
• lively 
• peppy 
• resilient 
• sunny