Gravity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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gravity
[หษกrรฆv.ษช.ti ]
Definitions
physics
The force that attracts a body toward the center of the earth, or toward any other physical body having mass. The more mass a body has, the greater its gravity.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| gravity |
In this context, 'gravity' is repeated unintentionally. Refer to the first entry for appropriate usage. |
| gravitation |
Use 'gravitation' when referring to the scientific force of attraction between masses more formally or technically. It often appears in scientific discussions about the laws of physics.
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| attraction |
Use 'attraction' to describe a force that draws objects together or to describe something that makes people want to be near it, like places or things that people find interesting or enjoyable.
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Examples of usage
- The apple fell to the ground due to gravity.
- Without gravity, objects would float away into space.
figurative
Seriousness or importance. The gravity of the situation was clear to everyone involved.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| gravity |
Used when discussing the extreme importance or seriousness of a situation, often conveying a sense of solemnity.
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| seriousness |
Used when describing the quality of being serious, often relating to a situation that requires careful thought or is not to be taken lightly.
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| importance |
Used when referring to the state or fact of being of great significance or value.
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Examples of usage
- The gravity of the crime was reflected in the severity of the punishment.
- His words were spoken with a gravity that silenced the room.
astronomy
The force of attraction by which terrestrial bodies tend to fall toward the center of the earth.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| gravity |
Used to describe the natural force that causes objects to fall toward the Earth. It can also refer to the seriousness or importance of a situation.
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| gravitation |
Typically used in scientific contexts to describe the natural phenomenon by which all things with mass or energy are brought toward one another. It is more formal and less common in everyday speech.
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| attraction |
Refers to the action or power of drawing or pulling something toward oneself. It is often used to describe a feeling of being drawn to a person or place.
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Examples of usage
- The orbit of the moon is influenced by the gravity of the earth.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Isaac Newton formulated the law of universal gravitation in the 17th century, explaining how every mass attracts every other mass.
- Gravity keeps planets in orbit around the sun, ensuring that they don't float away into space.
- The strength of gravity depends on the mass of the objects and the distance between them.
Pop Culture
- In movies like 'Gravity', the concept of space and its lack of gravity creates dramatic tension and excitement.
- The phrase 'falling in love' metaphorically uses gravity to describe the attraction between two people.
History
- Before Newton, people believed that gravity was caused by 'natural motion' where objects naturally move towards their 'proper place'.
- Ancient philosophers, including Aristotle, had different ideas about how heavy objects fell, contributing to the early understanding of physics.
Literature
- In poetry, gravity often symbolizes emotional weight or the heaviness of human experience.
- Writers sometimes use gravity as a metaphor for serious themes, such as the consequences of our actions.
Origin of 'gravity'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'gravitatis', which means 'weight' or 'heaviness'.
- In the 16th century, 'gravity' started being used to describe the force that pulls objects down.
The word 'gravity' originated from the Latin word 'gravitas', meaning weight or heaviness. The concept of gravity has been studied for centuries, with Sir Isaac Newton famously formulating the law of universal gravitation in the 17th century. Albert Einstein later developed the theory of general relativity, providing a new understanding of gravity as the curvature of spacetime.