Definition
To rise and remain suspended in the air without visible support, typically through a force that counteracts gravity such as aerodynamic lift, magnetic repulsion, or air cushion effect.
Plain English
To float or hover in the air without anything physically holding the object up.
Context Anchor
Seen in descriptions of objects, aircraft, or test demonstrations that lift off or stay suspended above a surface.
Derivation
From the Latin 'levis,' meaning 'light' (not heavy). The same root gives us 'levity' and 'elevator.' Something that levitates behaves as if it had no weight.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots should understand that levitating is not the same as normal controlled flight. Something may rise or float, but control, direction, and stability are separate issues.
Intuition Check
Do not read levitate as magic or unexplained floating. In aviation use, it means an upward force is holding something up or lifting it.
Example Sentence 1
A hovercraft uses a cushion of pressurized air to levitate just above the surface.
Example Sentence 2
Strong headwinds sometimes make a light aircraft appear to levitate just above the runway during landing.