Levitation: meaning, definitions and examples

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levitation

[ˌlɛvɪˈteɪʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

magic

The act of rising or hovering in the air, typically through supernatural or magical means. Levitation is often associated with spiritual practices and illusions.

Synonyms

floating, flying, hovering.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
levitation	Typically used in magical or sci-fi settings where an object or person is lifted into the air without physical support. The magician's act included the levitation of his assistant. The ancient ruins had inscriptions about the levitation of the stone blocks by unknown means.
flying	Used to describe the act of moving through the air with control, often referring to birds, airplanes, or superhero characters. Birds were flying south for the winter. The Wright brothers were famous for their experiments in flying.
floating	Best used to describe something staying on the surface of a liquid or moving gently through the air, often implying a lack of control or stability. Leaves were floating on the surface of the pond. The balloon was floating away into the sky.
hovering	Used when something or someone remains in the air in one place, often for short periods and associated with drones, helicopters, or sometimes insects. The helicopter was hovering over the landing pad. The hummingbird was hovering near the flower.

Examples of usage

The magician performed a stunning levitation trick during the show.
Many people believe that levitation is a sign of extraordinary powers.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

physics

The process of lifting or raising an object without any physical support, often using magnetic or acoustic forces. Levitation has applications in various fields such as transportation and material handling.

Synonyms

elevation, suspension, uplift.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
levitation	Used to describe the act of floating or rising in the air, often through mystical or magical means. The magician's show featured a captivating act of levitation She appeared to be levitating above the stage
suspension	Describes an object being held or hanging in place, typically from above, or the temporary stopping of a process or activity. It can also have a negative connotation when referring to disciplinary actions or halting of services. The bridge's design included a system of suspension cables The player faced a suspension from the team for breaking the rules
elevation	Refers to the height of a place above a fixed point, often above sea level, or the act of raising something to a higher position or status. It can be used in geographical, physical, or metaphorical contexts. The hikers checked the elevation to ensure they were prepared for the climb The elevation of the new manager boosted the company's morale
uplift	Used to describe the act of raising something or someone to a higher level, especially in terms of spirit or mood. It can also refer to geological processes where land is raised. The success of the project provided a significant uplift in the team's morale The geological uplift formed the mountain range over millions of years

Examples of usage

The scientists conducted experiments on magnetic levitation to improve train technology.
Levitation technology can revolutionize the way we transport goods.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

spiritual

To rise or float in the air, especially in a mystical or spiritual context. Levitation is often described as a manifestation of mind over matter or psychic abilities.

Synonyms

ascend, float, rise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
levitation	Used when referring to something or someone hovering in the air, often by supernatural or magical means. The magician's trick involved the levitation of a table. In many myths, saints were said to possess the power of levitation.
float	Applied when something stays on the surface of a liquid or air without sinking. Used in everyday contexts. Leaves float on the surface of the pond. The balloon will float away if you let it go.
ascend	Used to talk about moving upward, especially in a formal or grand context like climbing a mountain or advancing to a higher position. The hikers began to ascend the steep trail. She will ascend to the position of CEO next year.
rise	Commonly used to describe the action of moving upwards, either physically or in terms of improvement or increase. The sun will rise at 6 AM tomorrow. He managed to rise through the company ranks quickly.

Examples of usage

During meditation, some practitioners claim to experience levitation.
The mystic was said to have the power of levitating above the ground.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'levitation' comes from the Latin 'levitas,' meaning 'lightness.'
It was first used in English in the late 19th century to describe the act of rising without support.
It's derived from the root 'lev-' which relates to lightness or elevation.

Science

The phenomenon can be explained through forces like magnetic fields, demonstrated in experiments with supercooled materials.
Acoustics can cause levitation, where sound waves create pressure that lifts small objects.
In physics, the concept is also related to the idea of gravitational balance, where objects can stay suspended in a medium.

Pop Culture

Levitation is a popular theme in magic shows, where magicians perform tricks that make people or objects appear to float.
In movies like 'The Matrix', levitation is portrayed as a form of martial arts skill, emphasizing control over gravity.
Many comic book heroes, such as Magneto from X-Men, possess the power of levitation, showcasing its allure in fantasy.

Spirituality

Levitation is often depicted in religious texts, where saints or spiritual figures are said to rise during deep meditation or prayer.
Certain Eastern spiritual practices involve achieving a state of levitation as a sign of enlightenment or advanced mastery.
Throughout history, stories of ascetic figures levitating have captivated the imagination and inspired followers.

Literature

Levitation appears in various literary works as a metaphor for freedom or escape from earthly bonds.
In Gabriel Garcia Marquez's 'One Hundred Years of Solitude,' the act of floating symbolizes magical realism prevalent throughout the novel.
Many sci-fi novels envision societies where levitation technology plays a crucial role in transportation and architecture.

Translations

Translations of the word "levitation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 levitação

🇮🇳 उड़ान

🇩🇪 Levitation

🇮🇩 levitasi

🇺🇦 левітація

🇵🇱 lewitacja

🇯🇵 浮遊 (ふゆう)

🇫🇷 lévitation

🇪🇸 levitación

🇹🇷 levitasyon

🇰🇷 공중 부양 (空中浮揚)

🇸🇦 تحليق

🇨🇿 levitace

🇸🇰 levitácia

🇨🇳 悬浮 (xuán fú)

🇸🇮 levitacija

🇮🇸 svif

🇰🇿 қалықтау

🇬🇪 ლევიტაცია

🇦🇿 levitasiya

🇲🇽 levitación

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,492 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
30489 propounding
30490 licit
30491 nonentity
30492 levitation
30493 slapstick
30494 urinating
30495 detracted
...