momentum
Say it: muh-MEN-tum /məˈmɛntəm/ · noun
What “momentum” means
How much motion something has, depending on mass and speed.
More precisely: In physics, mass times velocity; more broadly, the force gained by something already moving.
Example: “Three early wins gave the project enough momentum to survive the budget cuts.”
When to use it
In physics, for mass times velocity; in everyday talk, for progress that makes further progress easier.
It can also mean
In everyday use, progress or enthusiasm that helps something keep going.
Similar words
impetus, drive, thrust
Where it comes from
Latin, 'movement', from movere 'to move'.
Quick check
Two trolleys roll at the same speed, but the heavily loaded one is harder to stop. It has more…
momentum or acceleration?
Show the answer
momentum
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