Here's why:

* Upward force: Lift is a force that acts in an upward direction.

* Balances or exceeds gravity: Lift can either counteract the force of gravity, keeping an object suspended in the air, or it can be greater than gravity, causing the object to accelerate upwards.

Examples of lift:

* Airplanes: Wings generate lift by manipulating airflow.

* Helicopters: Rotating blades create lift by pushing air downwards.

* Hot air balloons: Heated air inside the balloon is less dense than the surrounding air, creating buoyant force (a type of lift).

Let me know if you'd like more information about lift or any other physics concepts!