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

“Global energy prices have also been subdued, offsetting the spillover risks from a weak rupee, while precious metals continue to stay buoyant,” they said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

There are even concerns about cases of fraud, which have sometimes flourished in buoyant markets.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Short selling has become more challenging due to a buoyant stock market, increased litigation risk, and investor desensitization to risk.

Read more on Barron's

Two years later, at Euro 2024 in Germany, he started every game for a buoyant Netherlands side but was taken off injured during the first half of an agonising semi-final defeat by England.

Read more on BBC

I felt buoyant in the salt water after the fresh water of Bass Lake.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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