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Coasting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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coasting

[หˆkoสŠstษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

movement or travel

Coasting refers to the act of traveling without the use of power or propulsion, usually relying on momentum. This can occur in various contexts, such as riding a bicycle downhill or surfing on a wave, where the forces of gravity or momentum are utilized to continue movement.

Synonyms

drifting, gliding, sliding.

Examples of usage

  • The cyclist enjoyed coasting down the hill.
  • She was coasting on her skateboard.
  • The boat was coasting along the shoreline.
  • He loves coasting on his surfboard during the summer.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Physics

  • In physics, coasting is often related to an object's kinetic energy, which allows it to keep moving without additional energy input.
  • A common example of coasting is an object on a frictionless surface โ€“ it can move indefinitely without slowing down.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of coasting appears in many sports, like cycling or skateboarding, where athletes rely on momentum to keep moving.
  • Songs about 'coasting' often reflect themes of easy living and enjoying the ride of life, showing a laid-back attitude.

Education

  • In educational contexts, 'coasting' can refer to students who rely on past knowledge without putting in effort to learn new material.
  • Teachers often encourage students to avoid coasting and to engage actively in their learning to achieve their goals.

Psychology

  • The term 'coasting' in psychology can refer to someone who is performing at a minimal effort to avoid burnout or stress.
  • It can also indicate a lack of motivation or engagement in personal or professional pursuits, leading to complacency.

Origin of 'coasting'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'coast' comes from the Old French word 'cรดte,' which means 'coast' or 'shore,' indicating smooth movement along a path.
  • The word first appeared in English writings around the 14th century, originally referring to navigating along the shoreline.

The term 'coasting' originates from the word 'coast', stemming from the Old French word 'coste', meaning 'side' or 'border'. It evolved through the Middle English term 'coste' which was influenced by its Latin root 'costa', meaning 'rib' or 'side'. Over time, 'coasting' has come to signify moving effortlessly, deriving this notion from the idea of using the natural slope or side of a surface to travel without exerting force. The use of 'coasting' in recreational contexts, such as biking or surfing, became popular in the 19th and 20th centuries with the rise of these activities, emphasizing an easy and enjoyable form of movement.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,520, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.