gravity
Definitions
The natural force that pulls objects toward the earth or toward each other
重力，地心引力；万有引力
The serious or critical nature of a situation
严重性，重大；严肃
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedgrav (heavy) + -ity (state, quality) = 'the state of being heavy.' Physically, this is the force that makes heavy things fall — gravity. Figuratively, a 'heavy' matter is a serious one, so gravity also means seriousness. English kept both senses in one word.
Root grav still carries 18 more wordsWhy It Means This
Gravity is the textbook case of grav doing two jobs at once. Newton's gravity is literal heaviness as a force; 'the gravity of the situation' is heaviness as seriousness. They were never separated because in Latin gravis already meant both 'physically heavy' and 'serious.'
Common Collocations
- 1.the force of gravity重力
- 2.the gravity of the situation局势的严重性
- 3.centre of gravity重心
- 4.defy gravity违抗重力
Example Sentences
- 1.
Gravity keeps the planets in orbit around the sun.
- 2.
Astronauts float because there is almost no gravity in space.
- 3.
She finally understood the gravity of her mistake.
- 4.
He spoke with great gravity about the dangers ahead.