B2verb 1K

Float

🇬🇧 UK /["/fləʊt/","/fləʊts/","/ˈfləʊtɪd/","/ˈfləʊtɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/fləʊt/","/fləʊts/","/ˈfləʊtɪd/","/ˈfləʊtɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Float

to move slowly on water or in the air

In simple words: To rest on the surface of a liquid or move lightly in the air.

Float in a sentence

• The boat began to float gently on the calm water.
• He watched the leaves float down the river during autumn.
• They decided to float the idea of a new project during the meeting.
• Some balloons may float away if not tied properly.
• In the art show, the sculpture appears to float in mid-air.

How to use Float

Often used when describing how objects behave in water or how something moves lightly in the wind. Not used in formal writing when discussing serious topics.

Grammar pattern

float + object

Memory hint

Think of a boat floating on water — it stays on top!

Related words

Collocations with Float

• gently
• slowly
• downstream
• seem to
• across
• down
• in
• gently
• slowly
• downstream
• seem to
• across
• down
• in
• gently
• slowly
• downstream
• seem to
• across
• down
• in
• freely
• allow something to

Synonyms for Float

• glide

Opposites of Float

• sink
• submerge

Common mistakes with Float

• Confused with 'flot' which is not a word.
• Using 'float' incorrectly as a noun instead of a verb.
• Mispronouncing it as 'floot' instead of 'float'.

Frequently asked questions about Float

What does Float mean?

To rest on the surface of a liquid or move lightly in the air.

What is the definition of Float?

to move slowly on water or in the air

How do you use Float in a sentence?

The boat began to float gently on the calm water.

Can you give another example of Float?

He watched the leaves float down the river during autumn.

What are synonyms for Float?

Common alternatives include glide.

What is the opposite of Float?

Opposite meanings include sink, submerge.

What words go with Float?

It commonly pairs with gently, slowly, downstream, seem to, across, down, in, gently, slowly, downstream, seem to, across, down, in, gently, slowly, downstream, seem to, across, down, in, freely, allow something to.

What are common mistakes when using Float?

Confused with 'flot' which is not a word. Using 'float' incorrectly as a noun instead of a verb. Mispronouncing it as 'floot' instead of 'float'.

How do you pronounce Float?

US: /["/fləʊt/","/fləʊts/","/ˈfləʊtɪd/","/ˈfləʊtɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/fləʊt/","/fləʊts/","/ˈfləʊtɪd/","/ˈfləʊtɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Float?

Often used when describing how objects behave in water or how something moves lightly in the wind. Not used in formal writing when discussing serious topics.

What CEFR level is Float?

"Float" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.