Momentum
Word of the Day
What is Momentum?
noun
The force or speed of movement; impetus gained by a moving object or course of events.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Chosen to highlight Luke Littler’s impressive streak during the Premier League Darts, symbolizing the building force behind his consecutive victories.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
The team gained momentum after winning three consecutive games.
Her campaign picked up momentum as more supporters joined.
The car lost momentum as it climbed the steep hill.
Word Origins
From Latin momentum, meaning “movement” or “motion”.
Originally a physics term describing mass in motion; now also used metaphorically to describe progress or growth in various contexts.
First appearance in English: 17th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
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Noun:
The project gained momentum after securing funding.
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Adjective:
It was a momentous occasion in the history of the company.
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Verb:
The coach aimed to momentize the team’s efforts into a winning streak.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: ímpetu
- French: élan
- German: Schwung
- Italian: slancio
- Portuguese: ímpeto
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Impetus
Similar to momentum but often refers to the initial force or motivation behind an action.
Drive
Refers to motivation or determination, whereas momentum emphasizes ongoing movement.
Inertia
Describes resistance to change; momentum implies movement, inertia implies stagnation.
Velocity
A measure of speed and direction; momentum includes mass as a factor.
Fun Facts
- In physics, momentum is calculated as the product of an object’s mass and velocity.
- The term “momentum” is often used in investing to describe the tendency of assets to continue moving in the same direction.
Cultural Usage
- Luke Littler’s consecutive wins in the Premier League Darts showcased his unstoppable momentum.
- In “Rocky,” the protagonist builds momentum through rigorous training and determination.
Common Mistakes
Often confused with “inertia” — while both relate to motion, momentum implies ongoing movement, whereas inertia refers to resistance to change.
Micro Story
With each victory, his momentum grew, making him a formidable competitor in the league.