What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
float
Example
The boat floated gently on the calm lake. [float: verb]
Example
The balloon floated away into the sky. [floated: past tense]
levitate
Example
The magician appeared to levitate above the stage. [levitate: verb]
Example
The yogi demonstrated the ability to levitate during meditation. [levitating: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Float is more commonly used than levitate in everyday language. Float is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while levitate is more specific and often used in a more formal or literary context.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between float and levitate?
Levitate is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, while float is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.