momentum

momentum — noun

1. the force or quantity of movement that a moving object carries, found by multipl

1.名詞B2
釋義

the force or quantity of movement that a moving object carries, found by multiplying the object's mass by how fast it travels — in physics, mass times velocity.

例句

Ravi's toy car gained momentum as it rolled down the wooden ramp.

collocation: gather / gain momentum

A heavy truck has far more momentum than a small car, so stopping takes much longer.

comparative use: more momentum than

同義詞
  • force

    a more general term for strength or energy; momentum is the specific force of a moving object

  • impetus

    more formal, often refers to the starting push rather than continued movement

文法句型

momentum of [something]

gather / gain / maintain momentum

用法筆記

Frequently paired with verbs like 'gain', 'gather', 'maintain', and 'lose'. In physics, often followed by 'of' to identify the moving object.

常見錯誤

❌The car's momentums increased as it went downhill.
✅The car's momentum increased as it went downhill.
💡momentum is an uncountable noun and does not have a plural form.

2. the positive energy or force that helps a process, campaign, or activity to keep

2.名詞B2
釋義

the positive energy or force that helps a process, campaign, or activity to keep moving forward and not slow down.

例句

The campaign to save the old library gained momentum after the local newspaper wrote about it.

collocation: gain momentum

The peace talks lost momentum when the two sides could not agree on a date for the next meeting.

collocation: lose momentum

同義詞
  • drive

    focuses on personal energy and determination to succeed

  • impetus

    refers to the force that makes something happen or develop faster

  • thrust

    the main forward force or purpose behind a movement

反義詞
  • resistance

    a force that acts against progress or change

  • stagnation

    a state where no progress or development is happening

文法句型

gain / build / lose momentum

[something] gathers momentum

用法筆記

Common in news, business, and sports contexts. Unlike sense 1, the subject is always an event, movement, or process — never a physical object.

常見錯誤

❌The project has a big momentum now.
✅The project has gained a lot of momentum now.
💡momentum is not simply 'had'; it is typically gained, built, or gathered over time.