Gravity: meaning, definitions and examples

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gravity

 

[ หˆษกrรฆv.ษช.ti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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

attraction, gravitation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • Newtonโ€™s law of universal gravitation explains how masses attract each other.
  • Gravitation affects all objects in the universe.
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.

  • The magnetic attraction pulled the metal towards the magnet.
  • The new museum is a major tourist attraction in the city.

Examples of usage

  • The apple fell to the ground due to gravity.
  • Without gravity, objects would float away into space.
Context #2 | Noun

figurative

Seriousness or importance. The gravity of the situation was clear to everyone involved.

Synonyms

importance, seriousness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gravity

Used when discussing the extreme importance or seriousness of a situation, often conveying a sense of solemnity.

  • The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on the team's minds.
  • He did not fully understand the gravity of his actions.
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.

  • The doctor's face conveyed the seriousness of the diagnosis.
  • He didn't grasp the seriousness of the problem until it was too late.
importance

Used when referring to the state or fact of being of great significance or value.

  • She stressed the importance of eating healthy food.
  • The importance of education cannot be overstated.

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.
Context #3 | Noun

astronomy

The force of attraction by which terrestrial bodies tend to fall toward the center of the earth.

Synonyms

attraction, gravitation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • The gravity of the situation was not lost on him.
  • Gravity pulls everything towards the center of the Earth.
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.

  • Gravitation between the planets holds the solar system together.
  • The theory of gravitation explains how objects in the universe interact.
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.

  • Her attraction to the mountains was undeniable.
  • There was a strong attraction between them.

Examples of usage

  • The orbit of the moon is influenced by the gravity of the earth.

Translations

Translations of the word "gravity" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น gravidade

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เฅเคฐเฅเคคเฅเคตเคพเค•เคฐเฅเคทเคฃ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Schwerkraft

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ gravitasi

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะณั€ะฐะฒั–ั‚ะฐั†ั–ั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ grawitacja

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้‡ๅŠ› (ใ˜ใ‚…ใ†ใ‚Šใ‚‡ใ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท gravitรฉ

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ gravedad

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yerรงekimi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ค‘๋ ฅ (์ค‘๋ ฅ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฌุงุฐุจูŠุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ gravitace

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ gravitรกcia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้‡ๅŠ› (zhรฒnglรฌ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ gravitacija

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รพyngdarafl

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะณั€ะฐะฒะธั‚ะฐั†ะธั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒ แƒแƒ•แƒ˜แƒขแƒแƒชแƒ˜แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ qravitasiya

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ gravedad

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,410, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.