volplane
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈvɒlpleɪn/
KK: /ˈvɒlpleɪn/
intransitive verb
Definition
To glide downwards in the air without using the engine, typically referring to an airplane.
Example
The pilot had to volplane to safely land the aircraft after the engine failed.
Tense Forms
Past: volplaned
Past Participle: volplaned
Conversation
Have you ever seen a plane volplane down to the ground?
Yeah, it's fascinating how they can glide without the engine.
I watched a video where a pilot demonstrated how to volplane safely.
That's really cool! I'd love to try that someday.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
glide
soar
float
Antonyms
plummet
dive
fall
noun
Definition
The action of gliding or descending in a controlled manner, typically used in aviation.
Example
The pilot performed a volplane to safely land the glider.
Conversation
Have you ever seen a volplane in action?
No, I haven't! What is it exactly?
It's when a plane glides down without power, kind of like a bird.
Root Explanation
Volplane → It is formed from "voler" (from French, meaning to fly) and "plane" (from Latin "planare", meaning to level or flatten). The word describes the act of flying in a controlled manner, often gliding downwards like a plane.
Memory Tip
Think of 'flying' ('voler') and 'leveling out' ('plane') to remember that 'volplane' means to glide or fly down smoothly.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.