verb
levitate
LEH-vih-tayt
Levitate (verb) means to make something rise and float in the air, seemingly without support. Example: “The magician appeared to levitate the table above the stage.”
verb
1
To make something rise and float in the air, seemingly without support.
"The magician appeared to levitate the table above the stage."
"Engineers used magnets to levitate the train above the track."
2
To hang or float in the air oneself, as if defying gravity.
"The performer claimed she could levitate during meditation."
How to use levitate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo float in the air without any visible support.
Common pairings
appear to levitate
levitate off the ground
magnetic levitation
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like levitate.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- levitates
- Past tense
- levitated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The magician appeared to _____ the table above the stage.
Etymology
Coined in the 1600s from New Latin levitare, modeled on "gravitate," ultimately from Latin levis ("light").
Class of 1600
levitate joined the language around 1600.
See the full Class of 1600 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for levitate
See all rhymes for levitate →Frequently asked questions
What does “levitate” mean?
The word “levitate” means to make something rise and float in the air, seemingly without support. In plain terms, to float in the air without any visible support.
How do you pronounce “levitate”?
“Levitate” is pronounced LEH-vih-tayt (/ˈlɛvɪteɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “levitate” in a sentence?
Here is “levitate” used in a sentence: “The magician appeared to levitate the table above the stage.”
What part of speech is “levitate”?
“Levitate” is a verb.
Where does the word “levitate” come from?
The word “levitate” dates back to around 1600 and comes from New Latin. Coined in the 1600s from New Latin levitare, modeled on "gravitate," ultimately from Latin levis ("light").
How many meanings does “levitate” have?
“Levitate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make something rise and float in the air, seemingly without support.
