Hovering
/ˈhʌvərɪŋ/
verbadjectiveB2present participle
Definition
Hovering means to stay in one place in the air, often by flapping wings or using some force to stay still. It can also mean to stay near a person or thing, usually watching or waiting carefully. This word is often used for birds, insects, or machines like helicopters, and also for people who stay close by without moving away.
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See It in Action
Staying in one place in the air
- •The helicopter was hovering above the building.
- •A bee hovered near the flowers looking for nectar.
- •The drone hovered silently over the park.
Staying close to a person or place without moving away
- •She was hovering around the kitchen, waiting to help.
- •The teacher was hovering over the students during the test.
- •He kept hovering near the door, unsure if he should leave.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "hovering" like "staying" (A1 word), but in the air or very close, not just standing still on the ground.
- ✓Picture a hummingbird moving its wings very fast but staying in one spot near a flower.
- ✓It's the feeling when someone waits near you quietly, not leaving or moving far away.
- ✓Sounds like "hover-ring" → imagine a ring floating in the air, not falling or flying away.
- ✓In stories, a ghost might hover over a place, staying close but not touching anything.
- ✓NOT like "fly" (which means moving forward), hovering means staying still in the air.
- ✓NOT like "stand" (on the ground), hovering is in the air or close but not touching.
- ✓NOT like "follow" (moving behind someone), hovering means staying near without moving much.
Try Other Words
- •Lingering: staying near for a longer time (Use when the person or thing stays slowly and maybe without clear purpose)
- •Floating: moving gently in the air or water (Use when something moves softly, not just staying still)
- •Loitering: staying in a place without purpose, often suspicious (Use when the staying is unwanted or seen as negative)
- •Waiting: staying in one place until something happens (Use when the focus is on time and patience)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: root "hover" + suffix "-ing" (shows action happening now)
- •Etymology: From Old English "hofor" meaning to hang, float, or remain suspended
- •Historical development: Originally used to describe birds or insects staying in one place in the air; later expanded to machines and people
- •Modern usage: Used for flying objects staying still in the air and for people staying close by carefully or nervously
Reflect & Connect
•When have you noticed someone or something hovering near you? How did it make you feel?
•Can hovering be helpful or annoying? In what situations do you think it is good or bad?
Fill in the blanks
1.The helicopter was hovering ___ the city, waiting for instructions to land.
2.When a child is learning to walk, a parent might hover ___ them to keep them safe.
3.Unlike flying away quickly, the bird was hovering ___ the flower to drink nectar.
4.She kept hovering ___ the conversation, wanting to join but not speaking.
5.The drone hovered ___ above the park, moving very little in the air.
6.People often say someone is hovering when they stay ___ without clear reason.
7.The teacher was hovering ___ the students during the test to watch their work.