gravity

[ˈɡrævəti]

gravity Definition

• 1. the force that attracts two bodies towards each other, the force that causes things to fall towards the Earth's surface
• 2. seriousness or importance

Using gravity: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "gravity" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The gravity of the situation was not lost on anyone.

• Example

  The gravity of the planet pulls objects towards its center.

• Example

  The astronauts experienced zero gravity in space.

• Example

  The force of gravity keeps us grounded on Earth.

gravity Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for gravity

• weight
• heaviness
• seriousness
• importance
• significance

Antonyms for gravity

• levity
• frivolity

Idioms Using gravity

• the gravity of the situation

  the seriousness or importance of a situation

  Example

  The gravity of the situation was not lost on anyone, as they all knew the consequences of failure.

• defy gravity

  to do something that seems impossible or unlikely to succeed

  Example

  The acrobat's performance seemed to defy gravity as she balanced on one hand high above the ground.

• feel the pull of gravity

  to feel the effects of aging or physical decline

  Example

  As he got older, he began to feel the pull of gravity and found it harder to do the things he used to do.

Phrases with gravity

• center of gravity

  the point within an object where the force of gravity appears to act

  Example

  The center of gravity of a car is usually located near the engine.

• zero gravity

  a condition experienced by astronauts in which there is no apparent gravitational force acting on their bodies

  Example

  Astronauts experience zero gravity when they are in orbit around the Earth.

• gravity well

  the region of space around a planet or other massive body where the gravitational pull is strong enough to prevent objects from escaping

  Example

  The spacecraft had to use a lot of fuel to escape the gravity well of the planet.

Origins of gravity

from Latin 'gravitas', meaning 'weight, heaviness'

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Summary: gravity in Brief

Gravity [ˈɡrævəti] refers to the force that attracts two bodies towards each other, causing things to fall towards the Earth's surface. It also denotes seriousness or importance, as in 'The gravity of the situation was not lost on anyone.' Phrases like 'center of gravity' and 'gravity well' refer to specific aspects of the concept, while idioms like 'defy gravity' and 'feel the pull of gravity' extend its meaning metaphorically.