Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

impetus

/ˈɪm.pə.təs/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 3.27 in modern English

Syllables: im-pe-tus
IPA: /ˈɪm.pə.təs/

11

Scrabble Score

7

Letters

3

Syllables

7

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

Anything that impels; a stimulating factor.

noun

A force, either internal or external, that impels; an impulse.

noun

The force or energy associated with a moving body; a stimulus.

noun

A principle of motive force, held as equivalent to weight times velocity by John Buridan, in an auxiliary theory of Aristotelian dynamics introduced by John Philoponus, describing projectile motion against gravity as linear until it transitions to a vertical drop and the intellectual precursor to the concepts of inertia, momentum and acceleration in classical mechanics.

noun

An activity in response to a stimulus.

Example Sentences

"The outbreak of World War II in 1939 gave a new impetus to receiver development."
"Once set a strong mind thinking, and you have done all that it needs for its education. It matters little what is the first impetus, so that it only be set to work."
"In a single moment Montenegro and their supporters were given fresh impetus and encouragement. Beciraj tested Hart with a low shot before teenager Phil Jones, on his England debut, suffered an anxious moment when Stevan Jovetic went down under his challenge, leaving the youngster clearly relieved to see referee Stark wave away Montenegro's appeals."

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin impetus (“a rushing upon, an attack, assault, onset”), from impetō (“to rush upon, attack”), from in- (“upon”) + petō (“to seek, fall upon”).

Origin

Source language: Latin

Word Breakdown

Root: *peth₂-, impetus

Subject

Wiktionary places this term in Military.

Inflected Forms

impetuses (plural)

Phrases

wind at one's back

Frequently Paired Words

impetuous wind at one's back

Synonyms

impulse impulsion drift

Questions

How do you pronounce impetus?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈɪm.pə.təs/.
What does impetus mean?: Anything that impels; a stimulating factor.
Where does impetus come from?: It is traced to Latin.

How to pronounce impetus

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