Hovering
ˈhʌvərɪŋ
Definitions
3 meaningsTo remain in one place in the air, as a bird or aircraft.
ˈhʌvərɪŋ
To remain in one place in the air.
The drone was hovering above the crowd.
💡 Simply: Imagine a bird or a helicopter staying still in the air, like it's trying to decide where to go. That's hovering! It's like when you're deciding what to eat and you're standing over the fridge with the door open.
👶 For kids: Staying in one place in the air like a helicopter or a bee.
More Examples
Eagles often hover before they swoop down on their prey.
How It's Used
"The helicopter was hovering over the crash site."
"A hummingbird was hovering near the flowers."
To remain in or near a place or person, typically anxiously or protectively.
ˈhʌvərɪŋ
To linger near a place or person.
The waiter was hovering nearby, ready to refill our drinks.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone sticking around you a lot, maybe because they're worried or just want to be close. That's hovering. Like when your parents constantly ask if you are doing okay.
👶 For kids: Being near someone a lot, like when a parent watches their child.
More Examples
She felt her boss was hovering, making her work more difficult.
How It's Used
"The concerned mother was hovering by her sick child's bedside."
"His friends accused him of hovering over his new girlfriend too much."
To be in an uncertain or indecisive state; to fluctuate near a specific value.
ˈhʌvərɪŋ
To be in a state of uncertainty; waver.
The unemployment rate is hovering around 5%.
💡 Simply: Imagine something being in a state where it's not quite decided, like it's bouncing back and forth or stuck in the middle. Like the price of ice cream that stays pretty stable but might go up or down a little.
👶 For kids: Being in a spot where you're not sure what will happen.
More Examples
Her attention was hovering between her book and the sounds of the party.
How It's Used
"The company’s profits were hovering around the break-even point."
"The stock price was hovering near its all-time high."
Idioms & expressions
Hovering presence
The feeling of being constantly watched or overseen.
"The team felt a hovering presence from the manager."
From Middle English hoveren, equivalent to "hove" (to stay) + -ing (present participle). Ultimately related to Proto-Germanic *hubōną ('to be high').
The word "hover" emerged in Middle English, describing the act of standing still in the air or lingering nearby. It has evolved to include broader meanings relating to uncertainty.
Memory tip
Imagine a helicopter staying still in the sky; it's hovering!