From Spanish boyar ('to float'), from boya ('buoy'), which came into English via French in the late 16th century (first recorded c. 1578). The figurative sense of resilient cheerfulness emerged in the early 19th century, extending the image of floating on difficulties rather than being pulled down by them.
What does buoyant mean?
Buoyant has three main meanings: physically, able to float or resist sinking; emotionally, cheerful and resilient, especially in adversity; and economically, tending to rise or perform well, as in 'a buoyant market'.
What is the difference between buoyant and cheerful?
Cheerful means simply in good spirits. Buoyant implies an energetic, resilient kind of cheerfulness that bounces back from setbacks, like an object rising to the surface. It is also slightly more formal.
What does buoyant market mean?
A buoyant market is one that is performing strongly and showing upward momentum in prices or activity. It implies sustained strength, not just a brief spike.
What is the correct spelling: buoyant or bouyant?
The correct spelling is buoyant (b-u-o-y-a-n-t). The misspelling bouyant is very common but wrong.
What is the noun form of buoyant?
The noun form is buoyancy, used both literally (the buoyancy of the life jacket) and figuratively (the buoyancy of consumer sentiment).