To soar means more than just to fly; it means to rise swiftly, to feel the wind slipping below you as you ride it higher, higher, higher. Flying is just moving through the air. Soaring, though, suggests exhilaration, even joy.
Think about the anticipation you feel when you buy a lottery ticket — your hopes soar as you contemplate the possibilities. It’s the same wonderful feeling you get when someone you have a crush on notices you, when you land that perfect job, when you hold your child. The word soar comes from the Latin, ex-, which means “out,” and aura, meaning “breeze, air,” together meaning “out of the air,” which is precisely how it feels to soar.
Certainly! Let’s dive into the word “soar” and its various uses and meanings in both formal writing and casual speech.
Definition and Pronunciation
词性 (Part of Speech): 动词 (v.)
音标 (Pronunciation): [sɔːr]
释义 (Definition):
升高 (Rise swiftly)
猛增 (Increase rapidly)
[价格]暴涨 ([Prices] surge)
高耸 (Tower, rise into the air)
屹立 (Stand tall)
Explanation and Examples
To “soar” means more than just to fly; it implies rising swiftly and gracefully, often with a sense of exhilaration or joy.
Formal Writing
Economic Context:
“When prices soared, they brought it back in.”
Example: “During the financial crisis, oil prices soared, leading to increased transportation costs.”
Stock Market:
“Enron’s stock soared 34 percent in two days.”
Example: “After the announcement of the new product line, the company’s stock soared to new heights.”
Political Speech:
“And I want to see this country soar again.”
Example: “With new policies in place, the nation aims to soar to unprecedented levels of prosperity.”
Casual Speech
Personal Achievement:
“Ready for child to soar like eagle.”
Example: “You can achieve anything you set your mind to; go out there and soar!”
Inspirational Quotes:
“I am a leaf on the wind. Watch how I soar.”
Example: “Despite the challenges, remember that you are capable of soaring above any obstacle.”
Etymology
The word “soar” comes from the Latin ex- (meaning “out”) and aura (meaning “breeze, air”). Together, they form a sense of moving “out of the air,” which describes the feeling of soaring.
How to Remember
To remember the word “soar,” think of the following imagery and context:
Imagine the sensation of rising swiftly in a hot air balloon or riding a powerful updraft while paragliding.
Associate the word with moments of personal triumph, like achieving a goal, receiving good news, or witnessing a success that exceeds expectations.
Additional Examples
Formal:
“The skyscraper soared above the city, a testament to architectural ambition.”
“Tourism numbers soared after the opening of the new theme park.”
Casual:
“Her spirits soared when she heard the good news.”
“During the hike, we watched the eagles soar above the mountains.”
By anchoring the word “soar” to vivid mental images and understanding its usage in different contexts, you’ll be able to remember and use it more naturally in both formal and informal settings.