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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 notes

In plain EnglishTo float in the air without any visible support.

Common pairings
appear to levitate levitate off the ground magnetic levitation

Word forms

levitated past tense, levitates singular

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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").

Origin: New Latin · First attested 1600

Class of 1600 levitate joined the language around 1600.
See the full Class of 1600 →

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.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial