'aviate' originates from French, specifically the word 'avion', where the element 'avi-' ultimately comes from Latin 'avis' meaning 'bird'.

'aviate' developed in English in the early 20th century from French aviation-related vocabulary (e.g. 'avion', 'aviateur') and formation analogous to English 'aviator', becoming the verb 'aviate'.

Initially associated with 'relating to aircraft or flight' (from nouns like 'aviation'/'avion'), it evolved into the verb meaning 'to fly or pilot an aircraft'.