Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Hovering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🚁
Add to dictionary

hovering

[ˈhʌvərɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

aircraft

Remaining in one place in the air.

Synonyms

drifting, levitating, suspended.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
hovering

Used when something or someone stays in one position in the air or close to the surface, often referring to something that appears to be floating slightly above the ground or a surface.

  • The helicopter was hovering above the building
  • The hummingbird was hovering near the flowers
levitating

Used when referring to something that is rising or floating in the air, often in a way that seems magical or supernatural.

  • The magician made the woman appear to be levitating above the stage
  • They watched in awe as the object started levitating without any visible support
suspended

Applicable when something is hanging or maintained in a position from above, often referring to objects that are held in place by something unseen or not visible.

  • The chandelier was suspended from the ceiling
  • The bridge was suspended over the valley by steel cables
drifting

Best for describing movement that is slow and without a fixed direction, often carried along by wind, water, or other natural forces.

  • The boat was drifting down the river
  • He found himself drifting into a daydream during class

Examples of usage

  • The helicopter was hovering above the building.
  • The drone was hovering over the field, capturing aerial footage.
Context #2 | Verb

attention

Waiting or lingering in a particular place or state of uncertainty.

Synonyms

hesitate, linger, wait.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
hovering

When someone is hovering, they are staying in one place in the air or staying near someone or something in a way that can feel intrusive or nervous.

  • The helicopter was hovering above the building.
  • She was hovering around the kitchen, waiting for a chance to help.
linger

Lingering means staying in a place longer than necessary, usually because you don't want to leave or because something is holding your attention.

  • She lingered in the coffee shop, enjoying the atmosphere.
  • The scent of the flowers lingered in the air.
wait

Waiting means staying in one place until a particular time or event happens. It often implies patience.

  • We had to wait for the bus for almost an hour.
  • Please wait here while I get your order.
hesitate

Hesitating means pausing before doing something, often because of uncertainty or fear.

  • He hesitated before answering the tough question.
  • Don't hesitate to call if you need anything.

Examples of usage

  • He was hovering near the door, unsure if he should enter or not.
  • The decision was still hovering in her mind, causing anxiety.
Context #3 | Noun

computing

A graphical effect that occurs when a user moves the cursor over an element.

Synonyms

mouseover, pop-up, tooltip.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
hovering

When someone or something is staying in the air in one place, such as a helicopter or a person using a hoverboard.

  • The helicopter was hovering over the building
  • She felt like she was hovering in mid-air

Examples of usage

  • The website had interactive buttons with hover effects.
  • When you hover over the image, a description pops up.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Hovering is a common ability in certain animals like insects, which can remain stationary in the air using wing movements.
  • Helicopters use a principle called 'lift', generated by spinning blades, allowing them to hover in place like a bird.
  • Drones can also hover by balancing the thrust from their propellers, a feature useful for photography and surveillance.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, characters often hover while using superpowers, showcasing abilities like telekinesis or flight.
  • Video games frequently feature 'hovering' as a mechanic, often granting players extra agility or control in the air.
  • Hoverboards gained popularity in fiction, representing a futuristic way of 'hovering' above the ground.

Technology

  • Technological advances have made hovercrafts possible, which glide over water or land thanks to a cushion of air.
  • Virtual reality (VR) experiences sometimes allow for hovering effects, enhancing immersion and interactivity.
  • Maglev trains use magnetic levitation to hover above tracks, dramatically reducing friction and allowing for high speeds.

Psychology

  • The sensation of hovering can create feelings of freedom and weightlessness, which is often associated with relaxation.
  • Hovering can symbolize indecision in psychological terms, as a person may feel stuck in one place without making progress.
  • Many mindfulness practices encourage a 'hovering' awareness, promoting the idea of being present without judgment.

Origin of 'hovering'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'hoveren', meaning to 'flutter or fly' gently.
  • It has roots in Old French, where 'hover' meant 'to hang, as in the balance', illustrating its light touch.
  • Similar words in other languages convey the idea of lightness; for example, 'planer' in German relates to gliding.

The word 'hovering' originated from the Middle English word 'hoveren', which meant to remain in one place in the air. The concept of hovering has been observed in nature with birds, insects, and other flying creatures. In modern times, hovering is commonly associated with aircraft such as helicopters and drones, as well as digital interfaces where hover effects are used to enhance user experience.

See also: hovercraft.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,373, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.