Motionless: meaning, definitions and examples

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motionless

[ˈməʊʃ(ə)nləs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

describing lack of movement

Without any movement; still.

Synonyms

immobile, stationary, still.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
motionless	This word is often used to describe someone or something that is not moving at all, usually for a brief period. It can apply to both living beings and inanimate objects. The cat lay motionless on the windowsill He stood motionless, waiting for his turn
still	Still is commonly used to describe calmness or lack of movement in a gentle or peaceful manner. It can also convey serenity. The lake was still and reflected the mountains perfectly She sat still, listening to the sounds of the forest
immobile	Immobile typically refers to an inability to move, whether due to injury, incapacity, or restriction. It often conveys a stronger sense of being unable to move. The car was immobile due to a flat tire After the accident, she was immobile and needed assistance
stationary	This word is best used to describe something that is not moving but could potentially move. It is often used in a more formal or technical sense. The car remained stationary at the traffic light Stationary machinery must be maintained regularly

Examples of usage

He sat motionless, staring out the window.
The statue stood motionless in the park.
The cat remained motionless, waiting for the perfect moment to pounce.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in the context of physics

The state of an object when it is not moving in any way.

Synonyms

immobility, stationarity, stillness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
motionless	Used to describe something that is completely without movement, often in a dramatic or noticeable way. The deer stood motionless, trying to avoid the hunter's gaze He remained motionless as the storm raged outside
stillness	Best used to describe a peaceful or calm lack of movement, often with a positive or serene connotation. The stillness of the morning was interrupted by the sound of birds chirping Meditation helps me find a sense of stillness amid chaos
immobility	Typically used in more formal or medical contexts to describe the state of being unable to move, intentionally or due to a condition. Her immobility after the surgery was concerning to the doctors They studied the effects of immobility on elderly patients
stationarity	A more technical or formal term often used in scientific, engineering, or statistical contexts to describe the state of being stationary or not changing position. The device's stationarity was crucial for the accuracy of the measurements Researchers considered the stationarity of the data during analysis

Examples of usage

According to Newton's First Law of Motion, an object at rest will remain motionless unless acted upon by an external force.
The car came to a sudden stop, leaving it motionless on the road.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word combines 'motion', derived from Latin 'motio', meaning movement, with the suffix 'less' indicating absence.
First used in the English language in the late 15th century to describe something that does not move.

Science

In physics, motionless refers to an object that is not changing its position relative to a reference point.
A motionless object still has potential energy, which can be converted into kinetic energy when it moves.

Art

Artistically, a motionless subject can often convey stillness and contemplation, enhancing emotional expression in works.
Photographers often seek motionless subjects to capture the beauty in calm and serene moments.

Literature

In literature, a motionless scene can create a sense of tension or anticipation, leading to significant plot developments.
Many poets use the concept of being motionless to describe feelings of deep emotional introspection or loneliness.

Psychology

Some studies suggest that when people are motionless, it can be linked to calmness or even meditation, fostering mental clarity.
In stressful situations, staying motionless can be a physiological response, helping individuals process their environment.

Translations

Translations of the word "motionless" in other languages:

🇵🇹 imóvel

🇮🇳 अचल

🇩🇪 bewegungslos

🇮🇩 tak bergerak

🇺🇦 нерухомий

🇵🇱 nieruchomy

🇯🇵 動かない

🇫🇷 immobile

🇪🇸 inmóvil

🇹🇷 hareketsiz

🇰🇷 움직이지 않는

🇸🇦 ثابت

🇨🇿 nepohyblivý

🇸🇰 nepohyblivý

🇨🇳 不动的

🇸🇮 nepremičen

🇮🇸 hreyfingarlaus

🇰🇿 қозғалмайтын

🇬🇪 უძრავი

🇦🇿 hərəkətsiz

🇲🇽 inmóvil

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,040, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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11037 brine
11038 spike
11039 watered
11040 motionless
11041 laborious
11042 cardboard
11043 exportation
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