The Spanish word 'levante' meaning 'east' or 'rising' comes from the Latin verb 'levare' meaning 'to lift' or 'raise'. It developed through the Spanish verb 'levar' ('to lift') combined with the present participle suffix '-nte', similar to how the Latin present participle 'levans' was formed. The connection between 'lifting' and 'east' comes from the daily rising of the sun in the east, making it the direction of the 'rising' sun.

Several common Spanish words share this Latin root 'levare'. The verb 'levar' means 'to lift' or 'raise', though it's more common to see 'elevar' in modern Spanish. You might also recognize 'leve' meaning 'light' or 'slight', and 'relevo' meaning 'relief' or 'replacement' - all connected to the idea of lifting or raising.

English has many words from the same Latin root 'levare'. 'Levitate' means to rise or float in the air. 'Lever' is a tool used to lift things. 'Elevate' means to raise something to a higher position. Even the word 'levy' (as in to impose a tax) comes from this root, with the idea of 'raising' money. The word 'leaven' (as in bread) also comes from this root, referring to how yeast makes dough 'rise'.