WordValemomentum
the quantity of motion of a moving body
In more detail
1. (noun) the force or speed that something has when it is moving
2. (noun) the ability to continue growing or developing; gradual increase in strength or support
Examples
- 1. The heavy truck gathered momentum as it rolled down the hill.
- 2. The political campaign is building momentum as the election approaches.
How to use momentum
Momentum is used in physics to describe the force of a moving object, but more commonly in figurative contexts to mean the energy or progress behind a developing situation, campaign, or trend. It suggests sustained forward movement that can be difficult to stop once started, and is often paired with verbs like 'build', 'gain', 'gather', and 'maintain' to describe how this force develops or changes.
Common phrases
- build momentum
- gain momentum
- gather momentum
- maintain momentum
- lose momentum
- political momentum
Synonyms
impetus · drive · thrust · inertia · headway
Opposites
stasis · stagnation · inertia
Word family
momentous (adjective) · momentarily (adverb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse momentum with impetus or use it to refer to a single moment of action rather than sustained, building force; it emphasizes the ongoing power of movement, not a discrete event.
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