Movement

ˈmuːvmənt

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonAction
4 meanings3 idioms/phrases4 questions

Definitions

4 meanings
1

The act or process of changing position or location.

ˈmuːvmənt

nounneutralBeginner
Action

An act of changing physical location or position

The sudden movement startled the cat.

💡 Simply: It's like when you shift your chair, walk to the kitchen, or the way a bird flies. It's about going from one spot to another, or changing your body.

👶 For kids: When something goes from one place to another, like when you walk or when a car drives.

More Examples

2

The doctor recommended regular movement to maintain good health.

3

The dancers' graceful movements captivated the audience.

How It's Used

General

"The gentle movement of the leaves in the breeze."

Physical Therapy

"The therapist assessed the patient's range of movement."

2

A group of people working together to achieve a shared social or political goal.

ˈmuːvmənt

nounpositivemedium
Social

A group of people working together to advance an idea or cause

The feminist movement fought for women's rights.

💡 Simply: It's when a bunch of people team up to make something happen, like fighting for equal rights or protecting the planet. Like a group on a mission!

👶 For kids: A group of people who work together to make something better, like the environment or treating people fairly.

More Examples

2

The anti-war movement protested the conflict.

3

A new social movement is gaining momentum.

How It's Used

Social Activism

"The civil rights movement changed the course of history."

Politics

"The environmental movement is growing stronger."

Tip:Think of a unified group pushing forward to achieve a goal.
3

The internal mechanism of a clock or watch, responsible for keeping time.

ˈmuːvmənt

nounneutralAdvanced
Mechanical

A component of a clock or watch

The jeweler examined the intricate movement of the antique pocket watch.

💡 Simply: It's the inside part of a clock or watch that makes the hands go around and tell time.

👶 For kids: The part inside a clock or watch that makes the hands go around.

More Examples

2

The clock's movement requires regular maintenance.

3

The quality of the movement determines the accuracy of a timepiece.

How It's Used

Horology

"The watch's movement was intricate and delicate."

Engineering

"The clock's movement needed to be repaired."

Tip:Think of the internal mechanisms of a watch that keeps time.
4

A self-contained section within a larger musical composition, often characterized by a specific tempo and mood.

ˈmuːvmənt

nounneutralmedium
Art

A particular musical section or part

The symphony's second movement was particularly moving.

💡 Simply: Imagine a song split into chapters, each having its own feeling. That's a movement!

👶 For kids: Like the parts of a song, each one has a special feeling.

More Examples

2

The pianist expertly performed the final movement of the sonata.

3

The composition consists of four distinct movements.

How It's Used

Music

"The concerto is composed of three movements."

Tip:Think of each section of a song that is called a movement.

Idioms & expressions

freedom of movement

The right to travel freely and change one's location.

"The refugees were granted freedom of movement within the country."

make a move

To take action or make a decision.

"It's time to make a move and ask her out."

in one movement

To do something with a single or quick motion.

"She took the book in one movement and began to read."

From Middle English *movemente*, from Old French *mouvement*, from the verb *mouvoir* ('to move'), from Latin *movere*.

The word 'movement' has been used since the 14th century, originally referring to a physical motion, and later extending to abstract concepts like social and political actions.

Memory tip

Think of a flowing river that has movement, like a changing position.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to move"

body movementfreedom of movementsocial movementpolitical movementrange of movement

Common misspellings

movmentmovemntmovemant

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written