Momentum

noun (plural momenta or momentums)

/moʊˈmɛntəm/

The product of a body's mass and velocity, representing the quantity of motion possessed by the moving body.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

Although the Swachh Bharat Mission generated remarkable early momentum through mass mobilisation, sustaining behavioural change demands that the impetus be institutionalised rather than allowed to dissipate once political attention shifts.

Synonyms

impetusdrivethrustimpulsetractionforce

Antonyms

inertiastagnationstandstillstasis

🌱 Word Family

momentum (n), momenta (n pl), moment (n), momentous (adj), momentously (adv), momentousness (n)

🔡 Root

Latin momentum = movement, contraction of movimentum; movēre = to move; -mentum = noun-forming suffix

📜 Etymology

From Latin momentum, a contraction of movimentum, from movēre ("to move") + -mentum (noun-forming suffix).

🧠 Memory Hook

Linked to "moment" and "move" (Latin movere): once something is moving, each MOMENT adds to its MOMENT-um, building force that is hard to halt.

⚗️ General Science 📖 Seen in: Mechanics, Motion & Gravitation

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