What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
waft
Example
The smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the house. [wafted: verb]
Example
The butterfly wafted through the garden, its wings fluttering gracefully. [wafting: gerund or present participle]
float
Example
The boat floated gently on the calm lake. [floated: past tense]
Example
The clouds floated across the sky, casting shadows on the ground. [floated: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Float is more commonly used than waft in everyday language. Float is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while waft is less common and refers to a more specific and delicate movement.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between waft and float?
Both waft and float are relatively informal words, but waft may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with fragrances and delicate movements.
