Word: hovering (verb)

Associations

Hovering means to remain in one place in the air or to stay close to something without touching it. It often gives the idea of being suspended or lingering.

• Example 1: "The helicopter was hovering above the building." This shows how the helicopter stays in one spot in the air.
• Example 2: "The cat was hovering around the bird." Here, the cat is moving close to the bird but not directly approaching it.
• Example 3: "She was hovering over her homework, unsure of what to write." In this case, it means she is lingering over her homework, thinking about it.

A well-known synonym for hovering is "lingering." The important difference is that "hovering" usually refers to staying in the air or a specific location, while "lingering" is more about staying in a place longer than necessary, often in a more metaphorical sense.

Substitution

In place of "hovering," you could use:

• "floating" – this suggests a lightness, often in water or air.
• "suspending" – this implies being held up or supported without touching the ground.
• "lingering" – this can indicate staying in one area longer, but it may not imply being in the air.

Each substitution changes the meaning slightly. For example, "floating" implies a gentle movement, while "suspending" is more about being held up.

Deconstruction

The word "hovering" comes from the root word "hover," which means to remain in one place. The suffix "-ing" indicates that it is an ongoing action. The root "hover" has Old French origins from "houver," which means to hang or to remain suspended.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you saw something hovering? What was it?
• How might the word "hovering" apply to emotions or feelings? For example, can someone feel like they are "hovering" over a decision?
• In what situations do you think hovering can be useful or necessary?