noun

impetus

/ˈɪmpɪtəs/ · say it: IM·puh·tuhs

a driving force or stimulus

In Formal & Academic

In more detail

1. (noun) a force or energy that makes something happen or move forward

2. (noun) the force with which something moves

Examples

The government's new policy gave an impetus to economic growth.
The impetus of the falling object increased as it dropped.

How to use impetus

Impetus refers to either a motivating force that drives action or change, or the physical momentum of a moving object. In formal and academic contexts, it typically describes what energizes a movement, initiative, or reform; it is less common in everyday speech. The word carries a sense of dynamic energy and forward motion, making it preferred when emphasizing how something gets initiated or accelerated.

Common phrases

give impetus to
provide impetus for
lose impetus
initial impetus
gain impetus

Synonyms

momentum · driving force · stimulus · catalyst · push

Opposites

resistance · hindrance · obstacle

Word family

impetuous (adjective) · impetuously (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse impetus with momentum, forgetting that impetus emphasizes the initial force or motivation that starts or propels something, while momentum emphasizes sustained movement already underway.

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