Mass: meaning, definitions and examples

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mass

[mæs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

physics

The quantity of matter which a body contains, as measured by its acceleration under a given force or by the force exerted on it by a gravitational field.

Synonyms

density, volume, weight.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mass	Use when referring to the amount of matter in an object. Commonly used in scientific contexts such as physics or chemistry. It does not change regardless of location. The mass of the earth is about 5.972 × 10^24 kilograms. To calculate the force, you need to know the mass of the object.
weight	Use when referring to the force exerted by gravity on an object’s mass. It can change depending on the object's location (e.g., on Earth vs. on the Moon). Commonly used in daily life and scientific contexts. The weight of the package is 5 kilograms. Your weight will be different on the Moon due to lower gravity.
density	Use when discussing how much mass is contained in a given volume. It is often used in scientific calculations and descriptions. The density of water is 1 gram per cubic centimeter. If the density of the material is low, it will float on water.
volume	Use when referring to the amount of space an object or substance occupies. It is used in scientific as well as everyday contexts. The volume of this box is 2 cubic meters. Please pour this liquid until it reaches the 500 mL volume mark.

Examples of usage

The mass of an object is directly proportional to its weight.
In physics, mass is often measured in kilograms.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

large amount

A large number or quantity of something.

Synonyms

bulk, load, quantity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mass	Used to describe a large amount or volume of something, especially in a scientific or general context. The mass of the earth is approximately 5.972 × 10^24 kg. A mass of people gathered in the square.
quantity	Refers to an amount or number of something that can be measured or counted. Often used in precise or technical contexts. This recipe requires a specific quantity of sugar. The factory produced a large quantity of goods last year.
bulk	Refers to the size, weight, or volume of something, often used in commerce or shipping. Implies a large, often cumbersome, amount. Bulk purchases can reduce costs significantly. The bulk of the cargo was unloaded at the port.
load	Typically used to describe the amount of something that is being carried, transported, or needs handling. Often implies an actionable process. The truck was carrying a heavy load of timber. She has a load of work to finish by tonight.

Examples of usage

A mass of people gathered in the square.
They found a mass of evidence to support their theory.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

gather together in a crowd

To assemble or cause to assemble in large numbers or in a disordered manner.

Synonyms

assemble, congregate, gather.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mass	Most commonly used to describe a large group of people or objects coming together, often for a common purpose or in a large quantity. The protesters began to mass in the city square. Consumers massed outside the store for the Black Friday sale.
assemble	Typically used when referring to putting together various parts to form something, or when people come together for a specific purpose or meeting. Often more formal. The technicians assembled the new computer in under an hour. Students were asked to assemble in the gym for the assembly.
gather	A versatile term used for people or things coming together, usually in an informal or casual setting. Can also imply collecting scattered items. Friends and family will gather for the annual reunion. She gathered all her books and left the library.
congregate	Often used to describe people coming together, usually in a social, religious, or communal setting. The tone can sometimes be more formal or specific. People began to congregate at the town hall for the community meeting. Birds congregate near the lake during migration season.

Examples of usage

The protesters began to mass outside the government building.
Clouds began to mass in the sky, indicating an approaching storm.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'massa', meaning 'lump' or 'dough'.
In medieval Latin, it was used to refer to 'the celebration of the Eucharist'.

Science

In physics, mass is a measure of an object's resistance to acceleration when a force is applied.
Mass is not the same as weight; weight depends on gravity acting on the mass.

Culture

In many Christian traditions, 'Mass' refers to a regular service where people gather for worship.
Communities often hold ceremonial masses to mark significant events or milestones.

Physics

In Einstein's theory of relativity, mass is a key component in the equation E=mc², linking mass and energy.
Astronomers understand that mass is crucial for determining the gravitational pull of celestial bodies.

Psychology

Mass behavior refers to how groups of people act together, often influenced by social factors.
The concept of 'mass mentality' describes how individuals might conform to group beliefs or actions.

Translations

Translations of the word "mass" in other languages:

🇵🇹 massa

🇮🇳 द्रव्यमान

🇩🇪 Masse

🇮🇩 massa

🇺🇦 маса

🇵🇱 masa

🇯🇵 質量 (しつりょう)

🇫🇷 masse

🇪🇸 masa

🇹🇷 kütle

🇰🇷 질량 (질량)

🇸🇦 كتلة

🇨🇿 hmotnost

🇸🇰 hmotnosť

🇨🇳 质量 (zhìliàng)

🇸🇮 masa

🇮🇸 massi

🇰🇿 массасы

🇬🇪 მასა

🇦🇿 kütlə

🇲🇽 masa

Word Frequency Rank

At #899 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.

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896 entered
897 decided
898 progress
899 mass
900 culture
901 serious
902 increasing
...