hover
7 synonyms for hover, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To remain suspended in one place in the air.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use hover
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
hover over
hover nearby
hover between
Etymology
From Middle English hoveren, probably from hoven ("to hover, soar") plus a frequentative ending, ultimately tied to the verb "heave."
Full origin of hover →Frequently asked questions
What does “hover” mean?
The word “hover” means to remain suspended in one place in the air. In plain terms, to stay floating or lingering in one spot, whether literally in the air, anxiously near someone, or figuratively between two choices.
How do you pronounce “hover”?
“Hover” is pronounced HO-vuh (/ˈhʌvɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “hover” in a sentence?
Here is “hover” used in a sentence: “The drone hovered above the crowd, filming the parade.”
What part of speech is “hover”?
“Hover” is a verb.
Where does the word “hover” come from?
The word “hover” comes from Middle English. From Middle English hoveren, probably from hoven ("to hover, soar") plus a frequentative ending, ultimately tied to the verb "heave.".
Is “hover” a common word?
“Hover” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “hover” have?
“Hover” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to remain suspended in one place in the air.
