Levitate
Definitions and Meaning in English
- To rise or cause to rise and float in the air, typically without any visible support.
- To float or move in the air as if by supernatural or magical means.
- To cause something to lift or rise from the ground, often through the use of force or a specific method.
History and Origin
The word “levitate” comes from the Latin word levitas, meaning “lightness” or “lifted.” The term was first used in the 16th century and originally referred to the act of something being raised or made to float, particularly in a mystical or spiritual sense. Throughout history, levitation has been linked to supernatural phenomena, where objects or people were believed to be lifted without physical means. In modern times, it is often associated with magic tricks, scientific experiments, or futuristic technology.
Detailed Explanation
Levitation refers to the act of rising or causing something to rise above the ground, seemingly defying gravity. While often depicted as a magical or supernatural occurrence in literature and films, levitation can also refer to scientific principles, such as magnetic levitation or the use of air pressure, where objects are made to hover or float without physical support. In both contexts, the term conveys an idea of weightlessness or defiance of gravity. Levitation has been used in religious and cultural practices as well as in entertainment to fascinate and inspire.
Example Sentences
- The magician made the table levitate during his performance.
- Some people believe ancient monks had the power to levitate during meditation.
- Scientists are exploring the potential of magnetic levitation for transportation.
- The balloon levitated effortlessly in the air, tied to a string.
- The levitation of objects is a common theme in science fiction movies.
- The yogi was said to levitate during his deep meditative state.
- The leaf seemed to levitate above the surface of the water due to the surface tension.
- The UFO in the film appeared to levitate just above the ground.
- The experimental machine could levitate small objects using sound waves.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Float – To remain suspended on the surface of a liquid or in the air, often with no visible means of support.
- Hover – To remain in one place in the air, typically with movement or support from an unseen force.
- Rise – To move upward, especially against gravity.
- Ascend – To move upward, often used in a more general or natural sense.
- Glide – To move smoothly and continuously, often with minimal effort, sometimes suggesting floating.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Magnetism – A physical phenomenon associated with the attraction and repulsion of objects, often used in levitation techniques.
- Anti-gravity – A theoretical technology or force that counteracts gravity, often linked to levitation concepts.
- Weightlessness – The condition in which an object or person appears to have no weight, often related to levitation.
- Suspension – The state of being supported from above or floating in mid-air, similar to levitation.
- Defy Gravity – The action or concept of overcoming the force of gravity, often used to describe levitation.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Floatation – The action of staying or floating on the surface of a liquid or in the air.
- Lift – The act of raising something to a higher position, often in a way that seems to defy gravity.
- Buoyancy – The ability of an object to float in water or air, linked to levitation by its opposition to gravity.
- Zero Gravity – A condition in which objects experience free fall, often used in the context of levitation or weightlessness.
- Telekinesis – The purported ability to move objects with the mind, often associated with levitation.
Antonyms
- Sink
- Fall
- Descend
- Drop
- Plunge