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Gravity: meaning, definitions and examples

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gravity

[หˆษกrรฆv.ษช.ti ]

Definitions

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

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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.