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Impetus Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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impetus

[ˈɪmpɪtəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

influence

The impetus behind the decision to expand the business was the desire to reach a wider market.

Synonyms

drive, motivation, stimulus.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
impetus

Use 'impetus' to describe something that provides the energy or force necessary to make something happen, often used formally or in writing.

  • The new law gave fresh impetus to the development of sustainable technologies
motivation

Use 'motivation' to describe the reason or reasons someone has for acting or behaving in a particular way, used both formally and informally.

  • Students often need extra motivation to study hard for their exams
drive

Use 'drive' to describe strong motivation or determination within a person to achieve something, often used in everyday conversations.

  • Her drive to succeed in her career is truly inspiring
stimulus

Use 'stimulus' to refer to something that incites activity or growth, often used in economic or scientific contexts.

  • The government provided a financial stimulus to boost the economy during the recession

Examples of usage

  • The success of the competitor provided the impetus for the company to innovate.
  • The impetus for change came from the feedback received from customers.
Context #2 | Noun

physics

In physics, impetus refers to the force that sets a body in motion or keeps it moving.

Synonyms

impulse, momentum, thrust.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
impetus

Typically used to describe a force or influence that makes something happen or progress. It often refers to motivation or encouragement that prompts further action.

  • The new policy provided fresh impetus for economic growth
  • Her speech gave a new impetus to the campaign
momentum

Used in both physical sciences to describe the quantity of motion of a moving body and in everyday language to indicate increasing progress or movement in an activity.

  • The project gained momentum after the initial success
  • The car gained momentum as it rolled down the hill
thrust

Refers to a strong push or driving force, often used in mechanical or military contexts. It can also mean the main point or driving argument in discussions.

  • The rocket's engines provided enough thrust to break the Earth's atmosphere
  • The main thrust of his argument was security
impulse

Often refers to a sudden, strong desire or movement that isn't based on rational planning. It has a more spontaneous and sometimes negative connotation.

  • She bought the dress on impulse
  • His impulse to snap back was hard to control

Examples of usage

  • The impetus of the ball hitting the wall caused it to bounce back.
  • According to Newton's first law, an object in motion will remain in motion unless acted upon by an external impetus.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, impetus is related to momentum, describing how objects move and interact with forces.
  • The concept of impetus was historically significant in the development of motion theories before Newtonian principles were established.
  • The idea helps to explain how objects in motion behave, akin to how people can be influenced by internal or external factors.

Psychology

  • In psychology, impetus can refer to the motivational drive behind our actions, such as what encourages us to achieve a goal.
  • Research shows that knowing your impetus increases your chances of following through with intentions.
  • Emotional impetus can significantly impact decision-making, highlighting the human experience of being driven by feelings.

Literature

  • Writers often use the concept of impetus to develop characters, showcasing what drives them to take action in a story.
  • In classic literature, character motivations often serve as the impetus for the plot (think of Odysseus's desire to return home).
  • Modern narratives explore complex psychological impulses, reflecting the intricacies of human behavior and motivation.

Educational Context

  • In teaching, understanding a student's impetus can guide instructional strategies to enhance engagement and learning.
  • In motivational theory, educators emphasize the importance of intrinsic impetus – the internal desire to learn for personal satisfaction.
  • Curriculum design often considers the impetus for learning, influencing how materials are presented to stimulate interest.

Origin of 'impetus'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'impetus' comes from the Latin word 'impetus', meaning 'attack' or 'force'.
  • Originally, it referred to a physical force, but over time, it expanded to include motivations and reasons for action.
  • In medieval times, it was often used in philosophy and science to discuss motion and change.

The word 'impetus' originated from the Latin word 'impetere', which means to attack or rush upon. It was first used in English in the 17th century to refer to a force that sets something in motion. Over time, the meaning expanded to include a driving force or motivation behind an action. The word has been widely used in various fields such as physics, psychology, and business to describe the force or energy that initiates or sustains a particular activity.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,929 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.