Impetus
ˈɪmpɪtəs
Definitions
A thing that makes something else happen or happen more quickly; the force or energy with which a body moves.
ˈɪmpɪtəs
A force that causes something to happen or to happen more quickly.
The discovery of oil provided the impetus for industrial development in the region.
💡 Simply: It's like the starting push you give something to get it moving. Think of a race; the starter's gun gives the impetus for the runners to start.
👶 For kids: It's like a push to start something or make it go faster!
More Examples
The teacher's encouragement gave the students the impetus to work harder.
The accident gave the investigation impetus.
How It's Used
"The government's investment provided impetus for economic growth."
"The new marketing strategy gave an impetus to sales."
"The collision of two objects gave impetus to their combined movement."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
gain impetus
To become stronger or more active.
"The campaign gained impetus as more people became involved."
lose impetus
To become weaker or less active.
"The movement lost impetus after the leader's resignation."
From Latin *impetus* meaning 'attack, impulse, force.'
Used in scientific and philosophical contexts since the 17th century, initially referring to the force of a moving body.
Memory tip
Imagine a push that gets things going – that's impetus!
Word Origin
"attack, impulse, force"