voltiger

Senses

1. 1.

   to flutter; to flit

   to move lightly and rapidly through the air

2. 2.

   to perform acrobatics; to vault

   to execute acrobatic movements, especially as a circus performer or gymnast

3. 3.

   to move about aimlessly

   to wander or move around without purpose or direction

Examples

• "Les papillons voltigent dans le jardin."

  Butterflies flutter about in the garden.

• "L'acrobate voltigeait sur le cheval avec grâce."

  The acrobat vaulted over the horse with grace.

• "Elle voltige d'un sujet à l'autre sans approfondir."

  She moves from one topic to another without going into depth.

Usage

Voltiger typically conveys lightness and movement, whether literal (butterflies, acrobats) or figurative (attention, thought). It's more poetic than everyday French. Related noun: voltige (acrobatics).