gravitation

/ˌɡrævɪˈteɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɡrævɪˈteɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌgra-və-ˈtā-shən/ (ame, mw)

gravitation — noun

1. the natural force by which every object with mass pulls toward every other objec

1.名詞B2
釋義

the natural force by which every object with mass pulls toward every other object with mass, most commonly experienced as the pull that makes things fall to the ground and holds the Moon and planets in their paths

例句

The gravitation between the Moon and Earth pulls ocean water and creates the daily tides.

gravitation between the Moon and Earth — noun + 'between' connecting two masses

Without gravitation, astronauts and their tools would drift away from the space station into empty space.

同義詞
  • gravity

    the everyday term for the same force, especially Earth's pull; much more common in casual speech

  • pull

    informal, emphasises the directional tug rather than the scientific principle

  • attraction

    broader — can refer to magnetic, electrostatic, or social forces, not just mass-based

反義詞
  • repulsion

    a force that pushes objects apart rather than pulling them together

文法句型

the gravitation between [plural noun]

gravitation of [noun] toward [noun]

用法筆記

In everyday conversation, 'gravity' is far more common than 'gravitation' for the physical force. 'Gravitation' tends to appear in formal or scientific writing, especially when describing the universal attraction between any two masses (not just Earth's pull).

常見錯誤

❌The gravitation of Earth pulls everything down.
✅The gravity of Earth pulls everything down.
💡'Gravity' is the everyday word for Earth's pull; 'gravitation' is more general and formal.

2. a gradual movement or tendency of people or things to be drawn toward a particul

2.名詞C1
釋義

a gradual movement or tendency of people or things to be drawn toward a particular place, person, or activity, as if pulled by an invisible force

例句

Olga noticed a steady gravitation of young artists toward the lakeside district with its cheap rents and large studio spaces.

gravitation of young artists toward — noun + of + group + toward + destination

Sociologists have documented a clear gravitation of college graduates toward cities with strong technology industries.

同義詞
  • attraction

    simpler and less formal; does not imply gradual movement over time

  • drift

    emphasises slow, often unplanned movement; slightly informal

  • pull

    common in both literal and figurative uses; less scientific in tone

  • tendency

    focuses on the likelihood rather than the movement itself

反義詞
  • repulsion

    a strong dislike or force that pushes people away from something

  • aversion

    a feeling of dislike that keeps someone away from a thing or activity

文法句型

gravitation of [people/things] toward [place/person/activity]

用法筆記

This sense is always followed by 'of' + the moving group and 'toward(s)' + the destination. It is used in formal or academic writing; in conversation you would more often say 'a trend toward' or 'people are drawn to'.

常見錯誤

❌There is a gravitation to big cities.
✅There is a gravitation of young workers toward big cities.
💡The pattern requires 'of [subject] toward [destination]'.