Moving or staying on or near the surface of a liquid without sinking; or drifting aimlessly through space or air.
From Old English 'flotian,' related to Old Norse 'flota' and possibly to 'fleet.' Ultimately may derive from Proto-Germanic roots related to flowing or being light. The word entered English centuries ago and has remained relatively unchanged.
The word 'float' and 'fleet' are related—both come from the idea of being light enough to move freely, which is why a fleet of ships 'floats' away and why you 'feel fleet-footed' when you're light and quick on your feet!
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