levitate
LEV-ih-tayt
/ˈlev.ɪ.teɪt/
To rise or float in the air, especially by supernatural power or illusion.
Implies floating without any visible physical support, defying the laws of gravity.
The story behind the word. Coined in the late 19th century as a humorous antonym to gravitate, using Latin levis (light) and the suffix -ate.
Word relationships
- float: Float can apply to water or air and doesn't necessarily imply magic, whereas levitate specifically implies defying gravity through supernatural or illusory means.
- sink: Sink means to fall or drop downward due to weight, the opposite of rising to levitate.
Commonly confused with
- hover: Hover implies staying in one place in the air (often using wings or rotors), while levitate emphasizes the act of rising upward without physical means.
Word family
- levitation (noun): The act of rising or floating in the air.
- levitator (noun): A person or device that levitates.
Collocations
- appear to levitate
- levitate objects
- levitate above the ground
Example sentences
- "The assistant began to levitate several feet above the stage, defying gravity." A description of a famous stage illusion.
Memory hook
Levitate sounds like elevate, but with a lighter, magical touch. Rise like a feather.
When not to use
Do not use for things that float in water (use float) or things flying with wings (use fly).
Fun facts
- The first recorded stage levitation illusion was performed by Robert-Houdin in 1847 using ether, which he claimed made his son light enough to float.
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