Reading Theme:
Momentum: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：forward drive (momentum)
momentum
/məˈmentəm/
n.
The speed and strength that keeps an activity or event moving forward.
forward drive
➕
/ˈfɔːrwərd draɪv/
n.
The force or energy that allows an activity, process, or trend to continue, grow, or succeed more easily.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'movimentum' (movement), from 'movere' (to move).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a MOMENT when a MOVING object has TREMENDOUS force. MOMENT-UM.
📖 Example
The environmental project started slowly, but after a successful community event, it gained momentum and many more people volunteered.
The environmental project began at a slow pace, but following a successful community gathering, it acquired significant forward drive, attracting many additional volunteers.
🔗 Collocations
gain momentum – to start moving forward or progressing more quickly and powerfully
build momentum – to gradually increase in strength, speed, or success
lose momentum – to slow down or lose the energy needed to continue progressing
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
stagnation (n.) – a state of no activity, growth, or development
inertia (n.) – lack of movement or activity, especially because of resistance to change
🌱 Derivatives
momentous (adj.) – of great importance or significance, especially in its historical impact
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'momentum', meaning 'movement, moving power'. It entered English in the 17th century primarily as a physics term. Its figurative use to describe the impetus of events or trends became common in the 20th century, especially in business and politics.
Meaning 2：quantity of motion (momentum)
momentum
/məˈmentəm/
n.
The 'oomph' or quantity of motion an object has, calculated by its mass multiplied by its velocity.
quantity of motion
➕
/ˈkwɒntəti əv ˈməʊʃən/
n.
In physics, a property of a moving object equal to the product of its mass and its velocity. It determines how difficult it is to stop the object.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The rocket needs a huge amount of fuel to lift off because it has to overcome Earth's gravity and build enough momentum to reach space.
The rocket requires an enormous quantity of fuel for liftoff, as it must defeat Earth's gravitational pull and accumulate sufficient quantity of motion to attain space.
🔗 Collocations
conservation of momentum – a fundamental law of physics stating that the total momentum in a closed system remains constant
angular momentum – the rotational equivalent of linear momentum for objects moving in a circle or rotating
transfer momentum – to pass the quantity of motion from one object to another, as in a collision
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
rest (n.) – the state of an object when it is not moving
🌱 Derivatives
momentary (adj.) – lasting for a very short time
Wordbook
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