physics
Definitions
The science of matter, energy, motion, and the fundamental laws governing them
物理学：研究物质、能量、运动及其根本规律的科学
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Greek physis (nature) + the -ika ending that names a field, anglicized as -ics. Physics literally means 'the study of nature' — it was the title of Aristotle's books about the natural world. Over time it narrowed from 'all of nature' to the precise science of matter and energy. Like mathematics, it ends in -s but is treated as singular: physics is fascinating.
Root physic still carries 8 more wordsUsage Guide
- Singular despite the -s: physics is hard, not 'are' — like mathematics and economics.
- Field vs. behavior: 'study physics' (the subject) vs. 'the physics of flight' (how something physically works).
- No article for the subject: 'I teach physics,' not 'a physics.'
Example Sentences
- 1.
She fell in love with physics after her first lesson on gravity.
- 2.
Quantum physics challenges almost everything our intuition tells us.
- 3.
Physics is a required subject for every engineering student.