float
float — 動詞
1. to rest on top of a liquid such as water without sinking down into it.
漂浮
物體浮在液體表面不下沉
to rest on top of a liquid such as water without sinking down into it.
A dry leaf floated on the surface of the pond all morning.
一片乾枯的葉子整個早上都漂浮在池塘水面上。
float + on + surface of [liquid]
The children watched their toy boat float across the swimming pool.
孩子們看著他們的玩具船漂浮在游泳池上。
float across [body of water]
Wood floats on water, but stones sink straight to the bottom.
木頭會浮在水面上，但石頭會直接沉到水底。
Talia held her breath and floated on her back in the calm sea.
Talia 屏住呼吸，仰躺在平靜的海面上漂浮著。
The empty kayak floated gently on the quiet lake near the shore.
空的獨木舟靜靜地漂浮在靠近岸邊的平靜湖面上。
- stay afloat
emphasises not sinking rather than the action of resting on top
- drift
implies passive movement with the current, not just staying in place
- sink
to go down below the surface of a liquid
文法句型
float + on/in/along [liquid]
常見錯誤
2. to be carried along by water or air with little effort, or to push an object so
漂流；使漂流
緩慢移動於液體或空氣中
to be carried along by water or air with little effort, or to push an object so that it moves this way across water or through air.
The small boat floated slowly down the river toward the old bridge.
小船緩緩漂流而下，沿著河流朝那座舊橋前進。
float down [river/stream] (intransitive)
White clouds floated across the blue sky above the mountain village.
朵朵白雲飄過山村上方藍色的天空。
Darius floated his paper boat on the stream after the heavy rain stopped.
Darius 把紙船放到小溪上，讓它順著大雨過後的溪水漂流。
The sweet smell of fresh bread floated through the open kitchen window.
新鮮麵包的甜味從廚房敞開的窗戶飄進來。
Ari and his sister floated the wooden raft away from the dock with a long pole.
Ari 和妹妹用長竿把木筏推離碼頭，讓它漂流而去。
- drift
emphasises movement carried by current or wind rather than floating as a state
文法句型
float + [adverb/preposition]
float + object + [adverb/preposition]
用法筆記
This sense can be either transitive (you float something) or intransitive (something floats). The transitive use means 'to cause something to float in a particular direction.'
3. to step or glide with a light, smooth, and elegant motion, as if carried by air.
輕盈走動
輕盈優雅地行走或移動
to step or glide with a light, smooth, and elegant motion, as if carried by air.
The dancer in the long white dress floated across the stage with ease.
那位穿白色長裙的舞者輕盈地飄過舞台。
float across [surface] (graceful movement)
Anong walked into the room and seemed to float across the wooden floor.
Anong 走進房間，整個人像在木質地板上飄移一樣。
In the wedding video, the bride floated down the stairs with a happy smile.
婚禮影片中，新娘面帶幸福的笑容，輕盈地走下樓梯。
The figure skater floated over the ice as if gravity had no hold on her.
那位花式滑冰選手在冰面上飄移，彷彿重力對她毫無作用。
Élise floated through the garden in her summer dress, greeting the guests.
Élise 穿著夏裝飄然穿過花園，向賓客們打招呼。
文法句型
float + [adverb/preposition]
用法筆記
This sense describes a person's graceful way of moving, not actual floating. It is common in descriptions of dancers, skaters, or anyone moving with lightness and elegance.
4. to move between places, jobs, or activities without a fixed plan or clear purpos
漂泊
沒有明確目標地遊走
to move between places, jobs, or activities without a fixed plan or clear purpose.
After university, Darius floated from job to job without any real plan.
大學畢業後，Darius 換了一個又一個工作，沒有任何真正的規劃。
float from [x] to [y] (aimless movement)
The cat floated around the house all day, never staying in one spot for long.
那隻貓整天在屋子裡晃來晃去，從不在一個地方待太久。
Ayesha has been floating between different hobbies, unable to choose one she loves.
Ayesha 一直在不同的嗜好之間游移，無法選出一個自己真正喜歡的。
Instead of focusing on one career, he just floats and takes whatever comes along.
與其專注於一份職業，他只是隨波逐流，來什麼就做什麼。
The group of teenagers floated around the park, not sure what to do next.
那群青少年在公園裡晃來晃去，不確定接下來要做什麼。
- settle
to choose a fixed path and commit to it
文法句型
float + [adverb/preposition] (aimlessly)
float from [place/activity] to [place/activity]
用法筆記
This sense often carries a slightly negative tone, suggesting a lack of direction or commitment. Common in patterns like 'float from X to Y' or 'float around.'
常見錯誤
5. to mention an idea or plan to someone in order to see what they think about it b
提出
提出想法或計劃供討論
to mention an idea or plan to someone in order to see what they think about it before making a final decision.
Camila floated the idea of a team trip during the weekly staff meeting.
Camila 在每週的團隊會議上提出了團隊旅行的想法。
float the idea of [something]
The manager floated a new plan for reducing energy costs in the office.
經理提出了一項降低辦公室能源成本的新計劃。
float + [plan/proposal]
Hari floated the suggestion that the team should move to a bigger workspace.
Hari 建議團隊搬到更大的辦公空間。
At dinner, Theo floated the idea of spending the summer holiday in Japan.
晚餐時，Theo 提出了暑假去日本度假的想法。
Nobody objected when the principal floated the proposal for a new library wing.
當校長提出新建圖書館大樓的建議時，沒有人表示反對。
- suggest
more direct and definite; 'float' is more tentative
- propose
more formal and serious than 'float'
- put forward
similar register to 'float'; slightly more formal
文法句型
float + noun (idea/plan/proposal/suggestion)
float the idea of [doing something]
用法筆記
Common in workplace and social contexts. The idea is 'tested' — you float it to see if people like it before committing. Usually followed by 'of + doing something' or a noun phrase.
常見錯誤
6. to let the exchange rate of a national currency move up and down based on market
浮動
讓貨幣匯率自由波動
to let the exchange rate of a national currency move up and down based on market forces, instead of keeping it at a fixed level.
The central bank decided to float the peso against the US dollar last year.
中央銀行去年決定讓披索兌美元匯率自由浮動。
float [currency] against [another currency]
After the financial crisis, the government chose to float its currency freely.
金融危機過後，該國政府選擇讓其貨幣自由浮動。
Countries that float their currency let the open market decide its daily value.
讓貨幣浮動的國家，會讓公開市場決定其每天的價值。
When a nation floats its currency, the rate can shift from one day to the next.
當一個國家讓貨幣浮動時，匯率可能會每天都在變動。
- let fluctuate
describes the result rather than the policy decision
- free
as in 'free the currency'; rarer and more journalistic
- peg
to fix a currency's value to another currency or a commodity like gold
文法句型
float + currency name (dollar/peso/yen/etc.)
be floated against [another currency]
用法筆記
Used almost exclusively in economics and finance. The opposite is 'to peg' a currency — to fix its value to another currency. Subject is always a government or central bank.
常見錯誤
7. to offer shares of a company to the public on a stock market through an initial
上市
公司首次公開募股
to offer shares of a company to the public on a stock market through an initial public offering, giving ordinary investors a chance to buy them.
The tech startup plans to float its shares on the stock market next spring.
這家科技新創公司計劃明年春天在股市公開發行股票。
float shares on [stock market]
The family business was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 2021.
這家家族企業於 2021 年在倫敦證券交易所上市。
be floated on [exchange] (passive)
Christopher's company floated twenty million new shares to raise investment capital.
Christopher 的公司發行了兩千萬新股以籌集投資資金。
Investors were excited when the green energy firm announced plans to float next quarter.
這家綠能公司宣布計劃下季度上市時，投資人都很興奮。
- go public
the more common American English equivalent; 'go public' is intransitive
- launch an IPO
formal and technical; precise financial term
- delist
to remove a company's shares from the stock market
文法句型
float + company/shares
be floated on [stock exchange]
用法筆記
This meaning is more common in British English ('float' the company). In American English, 'go public' or 'take public' is more frequently used. The noun form 'flotation' (or 'floatation') describes the process itself.
常見錯誤
float — 名詞
1. some cash that a worker in a shop, bar, or restaurant prepares at the start of t
零錢
店員預備找錢的小額現金
some cash that a worker in a shop, bar, or restaurant prepares at the start of the day so they can give customers their change.
The bartender checked his float before the evening rush of customers began.
調酒師在傍晚客人湧入前檢查了他的零錢。
check the float
Ari always takes a fifty-dollar float from the safe before opening the shop in the morning.
Ari 每天早上開店前都會從保險箱拿出五十美元的零錢。
take a float
The cashier counted her float at the start of her shift and again at closing.
收銀員在早班開始時和打烊時各點了一次零錢。
The manager found the float was short by ten dollars at the end of the night.
經理發現夜間結束時零錢短缺了十美元。
- change fund
more formal term used in accounting
- cash float
emphasises it is physical cash
文法句型
have/keep a float
check the float
用法筆記
The float belongs to the business, not the employee. It is counted at the start and end of each shift to make sure the cash in the till is correct.
常見錯誤
2. a large decorated platform on wheels that carries displays, performers, or music
花車
遊行中用的大型裝飾車輛
a large decorated platform on wheels that carries displays, performers, or music in a festival parade.
The high school band marched behind a colourful float decorated with paper flowers.
學校樂隊走在一輛裝飾著紙花、色彩繽紛的花車後面。
Children waved happily from the parade float as it moved slowly down the main street.
孩子們在遊行花車上開心揮手，花車緩緩沿著主要街道前進。
parade float
The float was covered in fresh flowers and carried a band playing cheerful music.
那輛花車上鋪滿了鮮花，上面載著一樂團演奏著歡快的音樂。
Each year the local businesses compete to build the best float for the New Year parade.
每年當地商家都會競爭打造新年遊行中最好的花車。
- parade float
the full term; 'float' is the shortened version
文法句型
parade float
carnival float
build/design a float
用法筆記
Floats are most commonly associated with parades for New Year, Carnival, Mardi Gras, Thanksgiving, and Pride events. Building a float can take weeks of preparation.
3. a small buoyant object tied to a fishing line that sits on the water's top and s
浮標
釣魚線上標示魚訊的輕物
a small buoyant object tied to a fishing line that sits on the water's top and signals a fish bite by bobbing or sinking.
The fisherman watched his red float closely, waiting for a fish to bite the bait.
漁夫緊盯著他的紅色浮標，等待魚來咬餌。
watch the float
A small white float bobbed on the water near the edge of the quiet lake.
一個小白色的浮標在寧靜的湖邊水面上輕輕上下晃動。
Tariro put a plastic float on his line to keep the hook at the right depth.
Tariro 在釣魚線上裝了一個塑膠浮標，讓魚鉤保持在適當的深度。
When the float suddenly disappeared under the water, Tariro knew he had caught something.
當浮標突然沉入水中時，Tariro 知道他釣到東西了。
文法句型
fishing float
watch the float
attach a float
用法筆記
The float acts as a visual signal — when a fish bites the bait, the float moves or goes under the water. Also called a 'bobber' in American English.
4. a light object made of plastic or foam that a person learning to swim can hold o
浮板
學游泳時助浮的輕巧用具
a light object made of plastic or foam that a person learning to swim can hold onto to stay on the surface of the water.
The swimming instructor gave each child a blue float to hold while learning to kick.
游泳教練給每個孩子一塊藍色浮板，讓他們學踢水時抱著。
hold a float
Anong held the float tightly and practised kicking her legs in the water.
Anong 緊緊抓住浮板，練習在水中上下踢動雙腿。
Beginners often use a float to build confidence before swimming without support.
初學者通常會使用浮板來建立信心，之後才不用輔助游泳。
The pool has a basket of floats near the shallow end for anyone learning to swim.
游泳池在淺水區附近放了一籃浮板，供學游泳的人使用。
文法句型
hold a float
swim with a float
use a float
用法筆記
In British English, this is commonly called simply 'a float.' In American English, 'kickboard' is more common for the flat foam board, while 'float' often refers to the pool toy sense (noun 5).
5. a plastic object filled with air that people lie on or play with in a swimming p
充氣玩具
游泳池中玩的充氣玩具
a plastic object filled with air that people lie on or play with in a swimming pool or at the beach.
The children spent the afternoon playing on their inflatable pool floats in the backyard.
孩子們整個下午都在後院玩他們的充氣游泳池浮具。
inflatable pool float
Talia lay on a large pink float with a cold drink balanced carefully in her hand.
Talia 躺在一張大粉色充氣浮床上，手裡小心翼翼地端著一杯冷飲。
A float shaped like a giant flamingo drifted slowly across the hotel swimming pool.
一個巨大火鶴造型的充氣浮具緩緩漂過飯店游泳池。
We need to pump more air into the float before taking it to the beach tomorrow.
我們明天帶去海灘之前，需要給這個充氣浮具多打一點氣。
The shop sells colourful floats in the shape of unicorns, pizzas, and watermelons.
這家店賣各種色彩繽紛的充氣浮具，有獨角獸、披薩和西瓜造型。
- pool lounger
specifically a float designed for lying on
- lilo
British English term; originally a brand name now used generically
文法句型
pool float
inflatable float
lie on a float
用法筆記
Pool floats come in many novelty shapes (animals, food, rings, loungers). They are also called 'pool loungers' or by the brand name 'lilo' in British English.
6. a cold drink made by putting a scoop of ice cream into a carbonated drink such a
漂浮飲料
上面放冰淇淋的冷飲
a cold drink made by putting a scoop of ice cream into a carbonated drink such as cola or root beer.
The diner serves a root beer float with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.
這家餐館供應沙士漂浮飲料，上面放了一大球香草冰淇淋。
root beer float
Élise ordered a float made of lemon soda and strawberry ice cream.
Élise 點了一杯檸檬汽水加草莓冰淇淋的漂浮飲料。
On a hot summer afternoon, a cold float with a straw is hard to beat.
炎熱的夏日午後，來一杯插著吸管的漂浮飲料，真是難以抗拒。
The café sells three kinds of float: cola, root beer, and orange soda.
這家咖啡店賣三種漂浮飲料：可樂、沙士和橘子汽水。
- ice cream soda
common alternative name, especially in the US
- spider
Australian English term for a float
文法句型
root beer float
ice cream float
order a float
用法筆記
The most famous variety is the root beer float. The phrase 'ice cream float' is used in British English and some other varieties. In Australia, it is sometimes called a 'spider.'