Gravity
GRAV-ih-tee
/ˈɡrævɪti/
The force of attraction by which terrestrial bodies tend toward the center of the Earth, or by which any two masses of matter are drawn toward each other.
Gravity is one of the four fundamental forces. Its effects are most noticeable with large masses (planets, stars), but it acts between all objects with mass.
The story behind the word. "Gravity" comes from the Latin "gravitas," meaning "weight, heaviness, seriousness." This is derived from "gravis," meaning "heavy." The connection to "heaviness" is direct, as gravity is the force that makes things heavy and pulls them down.
Word relationships
- attraction: "Attraction" is a general term for drawing together, while "gravity" specifies the force between masses.
- weight: "Weight" is the effect of gravity on a mass, not the force itself.
- levitation: The act of rising or floating in the air, seemingly defying gravity.
- repulsion: A force that pushes objects apart.
Commonly confused with
- Weight: Gravity is the force; weight is the measure of that force on an object's mass.
Word family
- grave (adjective): Serious (related to the sense of "heavy").
- gravitate (verb): To move toward or be attracted to.
Collocations
- universal gravity
- specific gravity
- zero gravity
- center of gravity
- feel the gravity
Idioms & expressions
- defy gravity
- pull of gravity
Example sentences
- "The apple fell from the tree due to the force of gravity." Describing a natural phenomenon.
- "Gravity is not a force in the usual sense, but a curvature of spacetime caused by mass and energy." From a scientific theory. (Albert Einstein, General Relativity)
Memory hook
GRAVITY makes things GRAVE-ly fall to the ground. Grave Fall
When not to use
Avoid using "gravity" to mean "seriousness" or "importance" in a scientific context where the physical force is implied.
Fun facts
- Sir Isaac Newton formulated the Law of Universal Gravitation after reportedly observing an apple fall from a tree.
- Black holes have such immense gravity that not even light can escape them.
Related words
Also appears in
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