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buoyancy

/ˈbɔɪənsɪ/  ·  say it: BOY·uhn·see

the upward force a fluid exerts on an object

In Science & Nature

In more detail

1. (noun) the ability of something to float or stay up in a liquid

2. (noun) a feeling of cheerfulness and optimism

Examples

• 1. The buoyancy of the raft kept it floating on the water.
• 2. Her buoyancy and positive attitude helped the team stay motivated.

How to use buoyancy

Buoyancy has two distinct senses: the physical property of floating in water (common in maritime, diving, and physics contexts) and the emotional state of feeling hopeful and light-hearted (used in more abstract contexts). The emotional sense is less common than the physical one, so context is important for clarity.

Common phrases

• positive buoyancy
• negative buoyancy
• buoyancy control
• neutral buoyancy
• a sense of buoyancy
• buoyancy aids

Synonyms

buoyant quality · floatability · lightness · resilience · optimism

Opposites

heaviness · density · despondency

Word family

buoyant (adjective) · buoyantly (adverb) · buoy (verb/noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'buoyancy' when they mean 'buoyant' (the adjective); for example, saying 'the buoyancy market' instead of 'the buoyant market'.

Nearby in Science & Nature

spectrum, density, viscosity, thermodynamics

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained