hover
Translation
to hover, to linger
Examples
A helicopter hovered above the building.
A helicopter hovered above the building.
He hovered nervously in the doorway.
He hovered nervously in the doorway.
Grammar Patterns
((over/above sth.)) to remain in the air over (sth.) A helicopter hovered above the building.
((around/near sb./sth.)) to wait near (sb./sth.) He hovered nervously in the doorway.
Similar Words
Synonyms: float, hang, linger
Etymology
From Middle English 'hoven', meaning 'to wait, tarry'. It carries the sense of waiting in one place.
Memory Tips
Picture a hummingbird 'hovering' over a flower to remember the meaning of staying still in the air.