Force
FORSS
/fɔːrs/
(noun) A push or a pull that can cause an object to accelerate or deform. (verb) To make something happen by strength or compulsion.
In physics, force is a vector quantity, characterized by both magnitude and direction. It's the agent of change in an object's state of motion.
The story behind the word. The word "force" comes from the Old French "force," which itself derived from the Latin "fortia," meaning "strength, might." This Latin root "fortis" means "strong," clearly linking the word's origin to the idea of power and exertion.
Word relationships
- power: "Power" is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred, whereas "force" is a push/pull.
- strength: "Strength" refers to the capacity to exert force, rather than the force itself.
- weakness: Lack of strength or power.
- impotence: Inability to exert force or influence.
Commonly confused with
- Energy: Force is a push/pull; energy is the capacity to do work.
Word family
- forceful (adjective): Powerful, strong.
- forcibly (adverb): By force.
Collocations
- gravitational force
- magnetic force
- net force
- applied force
- exert force
Idioms & expressions
- by force
- force of habit
- force someone's hand
- in force
Example sentences
- "The strong winds exerted considerable force on the old oak tree." Describing a physical interaction.
- "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction force." From a physics principle. (Isaac Newton, Principia Mathematica (Newton's Third Law))
Memory hook
Imagine a FORK that requires great FORCE to bend. Fork Force
When not to use
Avoid using "force" as a general synonym for "power" or "influence" when a more precise term is available, especially in scientific contexts.
Fun facts
- The unit of force in the SI system is the Newton (N), named after Sir Isaac Newton.
- The four fundamental forces of nature are gravity, electromagnetism, the strong nuclear force, and the weak nuclear force.
Related words
Also appears in
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