What is levitate? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of levitate in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of levitate

levitateverb

bay lên

/ˈlevɪteɪt//ˈlevɪteɪt/

Where does the word levitate come from?

The word "levitate" originates from the Latin word "levātus," which translates to "lifted up" or "raised." This word is derived from two Latin roots: "lev-," meaning "light" or "easy," and the verb "ference," meaning "to carry" or "to bear." The literal meaning of "levātus" is "lightly raised" or "easily lifted." When the word was adopted into the English language during the 16th century, its meaning remained largely unchanged. Today, "levitate" primarily refers to the ability of an object or person to be lifted or raised without any apparent external force. However, the word is also sometimes used figuratively to describe the rise or ascent of ideas, emotions, or values. In popular culture, "levitation" is often associated with supernatural or mystical phenomena, such as the ability to levitate objects or persons through paranormal means. This interpretation is widely represented in literature, films, and television shows, where characters with supernatural abilities can seemingly defy the laws of gravity and lift or move objects with a single thought. In scientific terms, however, levitation refers to a phenomenon in which magnetic, electric, or mechanical forces counteract gravity, allowing for the apparent lifting or suspension of an object in mid-air. This is demonstrated in various scientific and technological applications, such as magnetic levitation trains (maglev trains) and anti-gravity chambers for testing the effects of zero gravity on living organisms.

Vocabulary summary levitate

typeverb

meaningfly up; make fly up

Example of vocabulary levitatenamespace

  • The yogi lifted himself off the ground and seemed to levitate in the air.
  • The magician made the bouquet of flowers appear to levitate above the table.
  • The power of the spoon bender caused the metal utensils to levitate in mid-air.
  • The team's heads were spinning as they brainstormed ideas for the next marketing campaign, but eventually, ideas began to levitate to the top.
  • The astronauts floated weightlessly in the space station, looking like they were levitating through the air.

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