Gravity

Definition

Gravity is primarily recognized as the force by which a planet or other body draws objects toward its center, and can also refer to seriousness or importance.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɡrævɪti/
• Respelling: GRAV-i-tee (with "GRAV" as in "grab," "i" as in "sit," and "tee" as in "see")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɡrævɪti/
• Respelling: GRAV-i-tee (with "GRAV" as in "grab," "i" as in "sit," and "tee" as in "see")

In both dialects, "gravity" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "GRAV." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "GRAV-i-tee."

Etymology

Derived from Latin gravitas, meaning "weight" or "heaviness", which further came from the Latin word gravis meaning "heavy".

Derivatives

• Gravitational (adjective)
• Gravitate (verb)
• Graviton (noun)
• Gravitative (adjective)
• Gravitas (noun)

Synonyms

• Seriousness
• Solemnity
• Gravitation

Antonyms

• Levity
• Triviality
• Lightness

Usage

Gravity is a fundamental concept in physics, describing the force that attracts objects towards one another. It is crucial for understanding the movements of planets, stars, and galaxies, as well as everyday phenomena such as the falling of objects. The term is also used metaphorically to describe the importance or seriousness of a situation.

Related Terms

• Weight
• Force
• Mass
• Attraction
• Relativity

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Natural Force of Attraction: The force that attracts a body towards the center of the Earth, or towards any other physical body having mass. It is the force that gives weight to objects and causes them to fall towards the ground when dropped.
  • Example: The gravity of Earth keeps the Moon in orbit around it.

• Seriousness or Importance: The quality of being serious, solemn, or significant.
  • Example: The gravity of the situation was evident from the urgent tone of the officials.