flutuar

Senses

1. 1.

   to float

   to rest or move on the surface of a liquid without sinking

2. 2.

   to hover, to float

   to remain suspended in air or space

3. 3.

   to fluctuate

   to vary irregularly, especially in value or price

4. 4.

   to drift, to wander

   to move aimlessly or without direction (figurative)

Examples

• "O barco flutuava tranquilamente na água."

  The boat was floating peacefully on the water.

• "O dólar continua flutuando em relação ao real."

  The dollar continues to fluctuate relative to the real.

• "As nuvens flutuavam lentamente pelo céu."

  The clouds were floating slowly across the sky.

Usage

Regular -ar verb. Commonly used in both literal (physical floating) and figurative contexts (prices, currencies, thoughts). In economics, "câmbio flutuante" means floating exchange rate. Don't confuse with "flutuar" (to play the flute), which is rarely used-the common verb is "tocar flauta."