inertia
Say it: ih-NUR-shuh /ɪˈnəːʃə/ · noun
What “inertia” means
Things keep still or keep moving unless a force acts.
More precisely: The tendency of an object to keep still or keep moving unless a force acts; also, resistance to change.
When to use it
In physics, for resistance to changes in motion; in everyday conversation, for the tendency to keep doing familiar things.
It can also mean
In everyday use, resistance to changing a habit or familiar arrangement.
Similar words
inactivity, sluggishness, resistance
Where it comes from
Latin, 'inactivity', from iners, 'idle, sluggish'.
Quick check
A bus brakes suddenly, but your body keeps moving forwards until your seat belt stops you. What explains that?
gravity or inertia?
Show the answer
inertia
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