Levitate: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'levitare,' meaning 'to make light' or 'to lift.'
• It has been in use since the 15th century, relating primarily to spiritual or magical lifting.
• The root 'lev-' relates to lightness, as seen in other words like 'levity.'

Science

• Scientists have achieved levitation using magnetic fields, allowing objects to float above the ground.
• Acoustic levitation uses sound waves to lift small particles or droplets in the air.
• Quantum levitation occurs when superconductors are cooled to certain temperatures, causing them to float above magnets.

Pop Culture

• Levitation is a common theme in magic shows, where magicians appear to defy gravity.
• In movies, characters like Jedi from 'Star Wars' use levitation techniques to move objects with their minds.
• The iconic 'levitating' scenes in films often symbolize freedom or escape from reality.

Psychology

• The feeling of levitation can be a metaphor for experiencing a state of euphoria or bliss.
• Some psychological phenomena, like depersonalization, describe an out-of-body experience similar to levitating.
• In meditation practices, practitioners may describe a sensation of lightness or floating when deeply relaxed.

Literature

• Fantasy novels often explore the theme of levitation, where characters use spells or potions to float.
• In 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho, the act of levitating symbolizes spiritual enlightenment and personal growth.
• Levitation is a recurring motif in poetry to convey feelings of transcendence or rising above difficulties.

Ranking #37,459, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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