Word: levitate

Associations

Levitate means to rise or float in the air, typically without any visible support. It is often associated with magic tricks, illusions, or supernatural abilities.

• A magician can make objects levitate. (This shows the use of levitation in magic.)
• Some people believe that with enough training, they can learn to levitate their bodies. (This refers to a belief in spiritual practices.)
• Scientists have studied levitating magnets using powerful magnets. (This is an example of levitation in science.)

A well-known synonym for levitate is "float." The main difference is that "float" usually refers to something that is lightly resting on the surface of a fluid, while "levitate" implies being suspended in the air with no support seen.

Substitution

Instead of "levitate," you might use:

• float: This is used when something is on the surface of a liquid.
• rise: This suggests moving upwards but doesn’t imply suspension without support.
• hover: This means to remain in one place in the air, often with some support or propulsion.

Each substitution has a slightly different meaning that can fit various contexts.

Deconstruction

The word "levitate" comes from the Latin root "levitare," which means "to make light" or "to lift." The root "lev-" refers to lightness or raising up. It does not have a prefix, but the suffix "-ate" indicates an action or process.

Historically, the concept of levitation has been present in various cultures, often tied to spirituality or magical practices.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a movie or book where a character uses levitation? How was it portrayed?
• How do you feel about the idea of levitating? Is it something you would want to experience? Why or why not?
• Can you imagine a situation in which levitation could be helpful in everyday life? What might that look like?