float

1. (intransitive)To be supported by a fluid of greater density (than the object).

   Helium balloons float in air, while air-filled balloons don't.

2. To be supported by a fluid of greater density (than the object).

   (intransitive)To be supported by a liquid of greater density, such that part (of the object or substance) remains above the surface.

   The boat floated on the water.

   The oil floated on the vinegar.

   treiben, schwimmen, schweben

   пла́ватьplávatʹ, всплыватьvsplyvatʹ, всплытьvsplytʹ

   плавати, плистиplavaty, plysty

3. (transitive)To cause something to be suspended in a fluid of greater density.

   to float a boat

4. (intransitive)To be capable of floating.

   That boat doesn't float.

   Oil floats on vinegar.

   schwimmen

   держа́ться на воде́deržátʹsja na vodé

   трима́тися на воді́trymátysja na vodí

   convert from a fixed point notation to a floating point notation

5. (intransitive)To move in a particular direction with the liquid in which one is floating.

   I’d love to just float downstream.

   treiben

   плытьplytʹ, дре́йфоватьdréjfovatʹ

6. (intransitive)To drift or wander aimlessly.

   I’m not sure where they went... they're floating around here somewhere.

   Images from my childhood floated through my mind.

7. (intransitive)To drift gently through the air.

   The balloon floated off into the distance.

   gleiten, schweben

   пари́тьparítʹ, плытьplytʹ

8. (transitive)To cause to drift gently through the air, to waft.

9. (intransitive)To move in a fluid manner.

   The dancer floated gracefully around the stage.

   gleiten, schweben

   move lightly, as if suspended

10. (figuratively, intransitive)To circulate.

    There's a rumour floating around the office that Jan is pregnant.

    circulate or discuss tentatively; test the waters with

11. (intransitive)To remain airborne, without touching down, for an excessive length of time during landing, due to excessive airspeed during the landing flare.

12. (colloquial, intransitive)Of an idea or scheme, to be viable.

    That's a daft idea... it'll never float.

1. A cloud floated across the sky.

   У небі пливла хмарина.

   ruПо небу плыло облако.

   deEine Wolke schwebte über den Himmel.

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2. A stone does not float.

   Камінь не плаває.

   ruКамни не плавают.

   deEin Stein schwimmt nicht.

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3. Wood floats, but iron sinks.

   Дерево плаває, а залізо тоне.

   ruДерево плавает, а железо тонет.

   deHolz schwimmt, aber Eisen sinkt nach unten.

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4. Why does ice float?

   Чому крига плаває?

   ruПочему лёд не тонет?

   deWarum schwimmt Eis?

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5. Tom floated downstream on a raft.

   ruТом плыл вниз по течению на плоту.

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