Correct spelling, explanation: the word is most likely based on the Dutch word boye or boeie and over time it changed the spelling to fit the pronunciation. In English, oy is pronounced as oi, while the original pronunciation was closer to uoi. It’s visible, as in American spelling buoy is spelled distinctively different from boy, but remember it is a homophone in British English.
Definition of buoyant:
adjective
1. able to keep afloat
Life vests on boats are specifically designed to be buoyant and save a person from drowning.
2. optimistic, in high spirits
Emily is such a buoyant person, she can always make you feel better when she’s around.
Incorrect spelling, explanation: buoyant – the correct spelling of the word – originates in Dutch boye or boeie. It may seem, then, that the spelling boyant is also fine, but it’s important to think about the pronunciation of the word first. Because it was a Dutch word, the spelling fit the pronunciation, but when the word was borrowed to English, however, the spelling needed to be changed to fit this pronunciation, therefore oy became uoy.
Incorrect spelling
✔ Click to open Free Grammar, Style and Spell Checker
Still not sure?
Ask your question in our comments section below (we reply to all comments within 24 hours)or return to main search.
This is the perfect dictionary for anybody who hopes to find out about correct spelling.
Very good presented information. It’ll be supportive to everyone who employees it, including myself. Keep up the good work – looking forward to more English words.