Levitate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ช
levitate
[หlษvษชteษชt ]
Definition
magical ability
To levitate means to rise or cause to rise and hover in the air, typically in a way that defies gravity. This phenomenon is often associated with supernatural abilities or magic, but can also refer to the practice in stage performances. Levitation can occur in various contexts, such as in metaphysical or religious practices, where individuals may claim to lift off the ground during meditation or spiritual rituals. In science, it refers to the ability of an object to float in the air due to magnetic or acoustic forces.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The magician made the woman levitate above the stage.
- Meditators claim they can levitate after years of practice.
- Using advanced technology, scientists are able to levitate small objects.
- In some cultures, levitation is seen as a sign of spiritual achievement.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'levitate'
Main points about word origin
- 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.'
The word 'levitate' originates from the Latin word 'levitare', which means 'to lighten' or 'to rise'. The term made its first appearance in the English language in the late 19th century, referring primarily to the acts of rising or floating as seen in some physical phenomena or mystical claims. The concept of levitation has been present in various cultures and religions, often associated with spiritual practices and extraordinary feats by holy figures. In the modern era, the word has expanded to encompass not just the mystical beliefs but also scientific explorations, such as magnetic levitation, which utilizes the principles of magnetism to cause objects to float without physical support. Today, 'levitate' is widely recognized in both literary and scientific contexts, often illustrating the boundaries between the natural and supernatural.