dynamics
/dī-ˈna-miks/ (ame, mw)
dynamics — noun
1. The forces that act on an object or a system and cause movement or changes in sp
The forces that act on an object or a system and cause movement or changes in speed and direction — for example, the air pressure that pushes a plane upward, or the thrust that lifts a rocket off the ground.
The engineers studied the dynamics of air flow inside the tunnel to reduce noise.
the dynamics of [noun phrase] — describing physical forces
Professor Okonkwo explained how the dynamics of ocean currents affect rainfall patterns in West Africa.
A car's suspension system must handle the complex dynamics of rough mountain roads.
The dynamics of a rocket launch involve thrust from the engines and the pull of gravity.
Understanding the dynamics of a swing helps children learn how to pump their legs at the right moment.
文法句型
the dynamics of [something]
fluid dynamics / gas dynamics
用法筆記
Often appears in compound noun phrases such as 'fluid dynamics' and 'gas dynamics', where the first word names the type of substance or system being studied.
常見錯誤
2. The patterns of interaction, growth, and change that happen between people or wi
The patterns of interaction, growth, and change that happen between people or within a group, organization, or system — for example, how family members influence one another, or how competition between companies shapes a market.
The dynamics between the sales and design teams changed after the new project manager arrived.
dynamics between [groups] — describing interpersonal interaction
Family therapy helped the Watanabe family understand the difficult dynamics at home.
Market dynamics shifted when the new technology made older products less attractive to buyers.
Dr. Amara studies the social dynamics of online communities and how arguments spread.
The team's dynamics improved after everyone started sharing ideas openly during meetings.
- interactions
More general; 'dynamics' emphasizes how these interactions produce change over time
- relationships
Focuses on connections between people; 'dynamics' includes the forces that make those relationships change
- patterns
Describes recurring behavior; 'dynamics' adds the idea of active forces driving the patterns
文法句型
[group] dynamics
the dynamics of [group/system]
用法筆記
When talking about a specific type of group, put the group name before 'dynamics' without 'of' (e.g. 'family dynamics', 'group dynamics', 'team dynamics'). With 'the', use 'the dynamics of [group]' (e.g. 'the dynamics of the workplace').
常見錯誤
3. The changes in how loudly or softly a piece of music is played, including sudden
The changes in how loudly or softly a piece of music is played, including sudden shifts or gradual increases and decreases in volume — for example, moving from a quiet passage to a powerful, loud section.
The conductor asked the orchestra to pay more attention to the dynamics in the slow movement.
dynamics in [piece/movement] — musical context
Luisa practiced the sonata until the dynamics — from soft to loud — sounded perfectly natural.
In jazz, sudden changes in dynamics can make a performance feel exciting and alive.
The composer wrote detailed markings for dynamics above every line of the score.
Without good control of dynamics, a piano piece can sound flat and emotionless.
- volume changes
Everyday term; 'dynamics' is the formal musical term for the same concept
- loudness variation
Descriptive phrase; 'dynamics' is the standard single-word musical term
文法句型
[play/perform] with dynamics
the dynamics of [piece/music]
用法筆記
Musical dynamics are notated with Italian terms and abbreviations: 'p' (piano = soft), 'f' (forte = loud), 'cresc.' (crescendo = gradually louder), 'dim.' (diminuendo = gradually softer). This sense is part of the specialised vocabulary of music theory and performance.
常見錯誤
4. The branch of physics and mechanics that deals with how forces affect the moveme
The branch of physics and mechanics that deals with how forces affect the movement of objects — covering topics such as acceleration, momentum, and the way planets orbit the Sun because of gravity.
Lin studied fluid dynamics at university and now works for an aerospace company in Taiwan.
fluid dynamics — common compound noun for a subfield
A course called 'Engineering Dynamics' is required for all mechanical engineering students.
The textbook covers the basic principles of classical dynamics used in physics classes.
Computational dynamics helps engineers predict how buildings will move during an earthquake.
Professor Chen's research in dynamics focuses on how satellites stay in orbit around the Earth.
- kinetics
A more specific branch of dynamics that focuses on forces causing motion; less common in general use
- statics
The branch of mechanics that studies objects at rest or in a state of equilibrium
文法句型
[field] dynamics
the study of dynamics
用法筆記
This sense is always uncountable and takes a singular verb (e.g. 'Dynamics is a core subject in the physics department'). It contrasts with 'statics', which studies objects at rest. 'Dynamics' as a field is often preceded by a modifier like 'fluid', 'classical', or 'computational'.