levitation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “levitation” mean?
The action or process of rising or floating in the air in apparent defiance of gravity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action or process of rising or floating in the air in apparent defiance of gravity.
The state of being suspended in the air, often used metaphorically to describe a feeling of lightness, elevation, or detachment from reality. In scientific contexts, it can refer to a physical phenomenon such as magnetic levitation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in spelling or core meaning. Usage is equally common in paranormal/entertainment contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Both associate the term strongly with magic tricks, illusionists, and paranormal claims. The UK has a notable cultural association with the 'levitating busker' trope.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to broader discourse around fringe science and advanced transportation (e.g., 'maglev' trains).
Grammar
How to Use “levitation” in a Sentence
[undergo/achieve/demonstrate] levitationlevitation [of/above/over] somethingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “levitation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The magician will levitate his assistant above the stage.
- According to the tale, the monk could levitate during meditation.
American English
- The new maglev train levitates just above the track.
- He claimed the séance caused the table to levitate.
adverb
British English
- The figure ascended levitatingly into the air. (rare/archaic)
American English
- The platform moved levitatingly along the guideway. (highly technical/rare)
adjective
British English
- The levitation trick was the highlight of the show. (as modifier)
- They studied levitation phenomena.
American English
- The levitation device uses powerful magnets.
- She performed a levitation act.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in hyperbolic marketing for new tech (e.g., 'Our new platform offers a levitation of productivity').
Academic
Common in physics (e.g., studies on magnetic or acoustic levitation) and parapsychology literature.
Everyday
Almost exclusively used in the context of magic shows, special effects, or speculative conversation.
Technical
Precise term in physics and engineering for objects held aloft without physical contact via magnetic, acoustic, or aerodynamic forces.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “levitation”
- Misspelling as 'levatation' or 'leviation'.
- Using it as a verb (the verb is 'to levitate').
- Overusing in non-technical writing where 'floating' suffices.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While levitation as a supernatural human ability is not scientifically proven, several real physical phenomena (magnetic, acoustic, aerodynamic) can cause objects to levitate in a controlled, non-magical way.
'Levitation' often implies a more stable, sustained, and sometimes mysterious or technologically advanced suspension. 'Hovering' is more general and can imply active effort to stay in one place (like a helicopter or a hummingbird).
No. The noun is 'levitation'. The action is described by the verb 'to levitate' (e.g., 'The object levitates').
It's a portmanteau of 'magnetic levitation', referring to transportation systems where trains are lifted, propelled, and guided by magnetic forces without wheels touching the track.
The action or process of rising or floating in the air in apparent defiance of gravity.
Levitation is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Levitation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɛvɪˈteɪʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɛvəˈteɪʃ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Defy gravity”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of LEVitation – it LEVitates things, lifting them up. The 'lev' root relates to 'light' or 'rise' (as in elevator).
Conceptual Metaphor
FREEDOM FROM CONSTRAINT IS LEVITATION (e.g., 'His spirits levitated after the good news').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'levitation' used most precisely and technically?