Word: Gravity

Pronunciation

/ˈɡrævəti/

Definitions

• Noun: The force that attracts two bodies with mass towards each other. It is the fundamental force responsible for keeping celestial bodies in orbit around one another and objects on Earth’s surface from floating away. For example: “The astronauts experienced weightlessness when they left the Earth’s gravity behind.”
• Noun (figurative): Seriousness or solemnity of conduct, character, or thought. Example: “The situation demanded a sense of gravity from all those involved.”
• Noun (physics): The measure of the gravitational force exerted by an object, often expressed in terms of its mass. Example: “The moon has less gravity than Earth.”

Phrases

• “Law of Gravity”: Newton’s law describing the attraction between two bodies based on their masses and distance apart.
• “Under the influence of gravity”: Describing something being pulled down or affected by the force of gravity.
• “To defy gravity”: To act against or rise above the natural downward pull of gravity.

Example Sentences

• Noun (force): “Gravity keeps planets in orbit around the sun.”
• Noun (figurative): “His words were spoken with a quiet dignity and gravity that commanded respect.”
• Noun (physics): “On the moon, an astronaut’s suit weighs much less due to the lower gravity.”

Synonyms

• Gravitation
• Attraction
• Weight
• Seriousness (for the figurative meaning)
• Downward pull
• Centripetal force (in the context of orbits)