Meteorically Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Science

• Meteors are actually meteoroids that enter Earth’s atmosphere; they create bright trails as they burn up, which is what we see as shooting stars.
• The average speed of a meteor entering Earth’s atmosphere is approximately 30,000 to 40,000 miles per hour, illustrating the suddenness implied by the term.
• Scientists study meteor showers to understand the composition of celestial bodies and the origins of our solar system.

Pop Culture

• The term finds frequent usage in sports journalism, often referring to an athlete’s rapid rise to fame and success, akin to a meteor shooting through the sky.
• In the music world, 'meteorically' is used to describe artists who achieve unexpected breakthroughs in their careers, highlighting their sudden popularity.
• Movies and literature often portray characters who achieve 'meteoric' success, reinforcing a narrative of rapid transformation and achievement.

Psychology

• Research suggests that people tend to react more strongly to sudden changes or events, as they can trigger powerful emotions related to surprise or excitement.
• When examining behavior, a meteoric rise in performance can lead to pressure and stress, influencing an individual's mental health.
• Success that comes swiftly can be accompanied by a fear of failure, as individuals often feel they must maintain their newfound status.

Literature

• Authors often utilize meteoric rises in character arcs to highlight themes of ambition, change, and the impact of extraordinary events.
• Poets have drawn parallels between the fleeting beauty of meteors and the ephemeral nature of success or happiness.
• The imagery of meteors in literature might symbolize a profound transformation, capturing moments of intense change or inspiration.

Main points about word origin

• The word comes from the Greek 'meteōron', meaning 'high in the air' or 'suspended in the air', pointing to the idea of something sudden.
• In the 16th century, 'meteors' referred to any phenomenon in the sky, including comets and meteors themselves.
• The adverbial form '-ically' is often used in English to describe the manner of doing something, linking it back to its roots.

The term 'meteorically' is derived from the word 'meteor', which comes from the Greek word 'meteōron', meaning 'something high up' or 'a lofty object in the sky'. In ancient times, meteors were thought to be divine phenomena, and their appearance was often associated with significant events or changes. As the scientific understanding of meteors evolved, the term began to symbolize rapid, fleeting, and often spectacular occurrences. The adverbial form 'meteorically' emerged in the late 19th century, as a way to describe not just celestial phenomena, but also metaphorical leaps in success or growth that occur with remarkable speed. Over time, the term has been increasingly used in the context of business, entertainment, and personal achievements, emphasizing the idea of achieving success quickly and dramatically.

With rank #42,736, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.

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