Flow

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Flow

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun and verb

Pronunciation

FLOH  /fləʊ/

Definition

As a verb: to move steadily and continuously in a current or stream; to circulate; to proceed smoothly without interruption. As a noun: the movement of a liquid, gas, or crowd; a smooth, continuous progression; the psychological state of complete absorption in an activity.

Plain meaning

To flow is to move steadily and smoothly — water flows, traffic flows, conversation flows. As a noun: the steady movement itself, and the peak psychological state of absorbed, effortless engagement.

Register

Neutral to poetic in its physical sense. Technical in psychological use. Standard across creative, scientific, and philosophical discourse.