trajectory
truh-JEK-tuh-ree
/trəˈdʒɛktəri/
The path followed by a projectile flying or an object moving under the action of given forces.
Often used metaphorically to describe the course of a person's life or a company's growth.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'trans' (across) and 'jacere' (to throw). It describes the arc of something thrown across a distance.
Word relationships
- path: Path is general; trajectory specifically implies the physics of motion and the influence of forces like gravity.
- course: Course is often used for ships or planes; trajectory is used for objects 'thrown' or launched.
Commonly confused with
- track: A track is where something has been; a trajectory is the predicted path of where it is going.
Collocations
- flight trajectory
- upward trajectory
- orbital trajectory
Example sentences
- "The trajectory of a projectile is a parabola when air resistance is neglected." Physics
- "The company's growth trajectory suggests it will be a market leader by next year." Business
Memory hook
A 'Trans' (across) 'Eject' (throw)—something ejected across the sky. Thrown across.
When not to use
Do not use for a static path like a road; it implies an object in motion.
Fun facts
- In space, a trajectory can be a straight line, a circle, an ellipse, or even a hyperbola.
Related words
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