Gravitate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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gravitate
[หษกrรฆv.ษช.teษชt ]
Definition
physical forces
To gravitate means to move toward or be attracted to something, often due to physical forces like gravity. It can also describe a natural tendency to gravitate toward specific interests or activities.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Children tend to gravitate towards bright colors.
- The planets gravitate around the sun.
- Birds often gravitate to areas with food.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In physics, gravitation refers to the force that pulls objects toward each other, like how the Earth pulls you towards it.
- The concept was notably explained by Isaac Newton, who formulated the laws governing gravitational attraction.
- In modern physics, Einstein's theory of general relativity describes gravity as the curvature of space around massive objects.
Psychology
- People often gravitate towards others with similar interests and values, a phenomenon explained by social psychology.
- This attraction can also be influenced by emotional states; for instance, someone who is happy may attract positive interactions.
- Group dynamics show that individuals might gravitate toward leaders who are charismatic and relatable.
Pop Culture
- In music, songs often talk about gravitating toward love or attraction, using the term to express emotional connections.
- Movies frequently depict characters who gravitate towards each other despite obstacles, illustrating the concept of destiny.
- The term has been used in trendy phrases on social media, encouraging followers to gravitate toward positivity.
Literature
- Many literary works explore characters' emotional gravitation towards one another, enhancing themes of love and friendship.
- Metaphors related to gravity often appear in poetry, highlighting intense emotions like longing or desire.
- The idea of gravitation can symbolize fate in stories, suggesting that some relationships are meant to be.
Origin of 'gravitate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'gravitas', meaning weight or heaviness, reflecting how something heavy pulls others toward it.
- It entered the English language in the 17th century, originally referring to physical attraction.
- Over time, its meaning expanded to include emotional and social connections.
The word 'gravitate' originates from the Latin word 'gravitas', which means weight or heaviness. It made its way into English in the early 17th century, combining 'gravitas' with the verb-forming suffix '-ate', to convey the action of moving as if under the influence of weight. Initially, it was primarily used in contexts relating to physics and astronomy, particularly to describe the attraction between celestial bodies due to gravitational forces. Over time, its use expanded into more metaphorical applications, describing inclinations or tendencies in behavior and preferences.