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to aviate

to aviate

1 8.7
To fly a plane or other aircraft
  • verb
  • /ˈeɪviˌeɪt/
translation icon : pilotar
  • It is essential to aviate the plane before planning your route to the destination.
  • aviate, navigate
  • aviate, navigate, communicate

Examples

  • The pilot had to aviate the aircraft through the storm safely.

  • It's important that you first aviate, which is fly the plane, then navigate, make sure you know where you're going, and last communicate.

  • During training, you will learn how to aviate properly in various weather conditions.

Synonyms

to fly
vsto aviate
2.3

Travel in an airplane or control a plane

focuses on operating aircraft rather than traveling or transporting others
to pilot
vsto aviate
30 3.4

To fly a plane or steer a ship

is specific to operating aircraft rather than other vehicle types

How Much Control

command
  • Formal
4.9
to test-fly
  • Specialized
1 7.7
to aviate
1 8.7
co-pilot
  • UK
3.4
assist
33 1.8
ride
1.0

Surface Forms

aviate infinitive
aviated past
aviated past participle
aviating present participle
aviates third person singular

Morphology

aviate = aviation (transparent) = avi + ate

The verb is directly derived from the noun 'aviation' (flight/operation of aircraft), so knowing the noun allows inference of the verb meaning.

Etymology

The word aviate comes from the Latin root avis, which means 'bird', and you can see the same root in everyday words like aviation and aviary. Think of flying like a bird: to aviate is to fly or to pilot an aircraft, so the origin explains the modern meaning.