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Relativity: meaning, definitions and examples

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relativity

 

[ rɪˈlɛtəvɪti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

physics concept

Relativity is a theory in physics developed by Albert Einstein that explains the relationship between space, time, and gravity. It revolutionized the understanding of these concepts, particularly in the context of speed and the influence of gravity on time and space. The theory consists of two parts: special relativity, which deals with observers in uniform motion, and general relativity, which addresses the effects of gravity on the fabric of space-time.

Synonyms

relativism

Examples of usage

  • Einstein's theory of relativity altered our perception of time.
  • The concept of relativity explains why time moves differently for astronauts in space.
  • Understanding relativity is fundamental to modern astrophysics.

Translations

Translations of the word "relativity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 relatividade

🇮🇳 सापेक्षता

🇩🇪 Relativität

🇮🇩 relativitas

🇺🇦 відносність

🇵🇱 relatywność

🇯🇵 相対性

🇫🇷 relativité

🇪🇸 relatividad

🇹🇷 görecelik

🇰🇷 상대성

🇸🇦 نسبية

🇨🇿 relativita

🇸🇰 relativita

🇨🇳 相对性

🇸🇮 relativnost

🇮🇸 relativitet

🇰🇿 салыстырмалылық

🇬🇪 შესახებობა

🇦🇿 nisbilik

🇲🇽 relatividad

Etymology

The concept of relativity has its origins in the early 20th century when Albert Einstein published his theory of special relativity in 1905. This groundbreaking work introduced the idea that the laws of physics are the same for all non-accelerating observers and that the speed of light in a vacuum is constant, irrespective of the motion of the light source. Later, in 1915, Einstein expanded this theory into general relativity, which incorporated gravity as a curvature of space-time rather than a force acting at a distance. The term 'relativity' itself refers to the idea of relationships between different objects or frames of reference, indicating that our understanding of motion, space, and time is fundamentally dependent on the relative speed and position of observers. Since its inception, the theory of relativity has profoundly influenced philosophy, science, and our understanding of the universe.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,215, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.