Meteorically: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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.

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.

• ...
• 42733 blacktopping
• 42734 galosh
• 42735 wailer
• 42736 meteorically
• 42737 schmoozed
• 42738 fusspot
• 42739 boogied
• ...