Avigate

/ˈævɪɡeɪt/ verb

Definition

To pilot or navigate an aircraft; to engage in aviation (a humorous or playful back-formation from 'aviation').

Etymology

A playful or nonstandard back-formation from 'aviation,' created by removing the '-ion' suffix as if 'avigation' were the noun form—not a standard dictionary word.

Kelly Says

This is a fun example of how English speakers create new words by treating established words as if they followed normal rules—pilots might jokingly say they're 'aviating,' but serious aviators just say 'flying.'

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