floated
v. B1 Intermediate US //ˈfɫoʊtəd// UK //flˈəʊtɪd// float·ed
v. stayed on top of water or moved slowly through the air. You use this when something doesn't sink or when an idea is suggested lightly.
v. past tense and past participle of 'float'; refers to remaining suspended on the surface of a fluid or moving buoyantly through space. Often describes the act of suggesting an idea tentatively for consideration.
The empty bottle floated on the surface of the lake.
The marketing team floated several new slogans during the meeting to see which one the client preferred.
As the parade passed through the city center, colorful balloons floated above the crowds while music echoed between the tall buildings.
Usage
The verb can be used intransitively to describe physical buoyancy or transitively when suggesting an idea.