flow

The steady movement of liquid, gas, traffic, or other things in one direction.

• The pipe controls the flow of water.
• Heavy snow slowed the traffic flow.
• Doctors measured blood flow through the heart.

How to use it: flow of something (The accident stopped the flow of traffic.)

Similar words: movement, stream

Common phrases: flow of water, traffic flow, steady flow

The way parts fit or follow each other smoothly, without awkward breaks.

• The story has a natural flow.
• Shorter sentences improved the flow of his writing.
• These rooms give the house a pleasant flow.

How to use it: flow of something (Her question interrupted the flow of conversation.)

Similar words: continuity, smoothness

Common phrases: natural flow, flow of conversation, good flow

The movement of sea water toward the shore as the tide rises.

• The flow brought water into the bay.
• We watched the tide's ebb and flow.
• The boat rose with the flow of the tide.

Similar words: flood tide

Opposites: ebb

Common phrases: ebb and flow, tidal flow

To move smoothly and steadily in a particular direction.

• Water flows down the hill.
• Traffic flowed smoothly after the road reopened.
• Tears were flowing down her cheeks.

How to use it: flow through something (Water flows through this pipe.); flow into something (The river flows into the sea.)

Similar words: stream, run

Common phrases: flow freely, flow through something, flow into something, flow downstream

To come from a particular source or happen as a result of something.

• Good ideas flow from open discussion.
• New opportunities flowed from that decision.
• Confidence often flows from experience.

How to use it: flow from something (Many benefits flow from regular exercise.)

Similar words: arise, result, emanate

Common phrases: flow from something, benefits flow, ideas flow