movement
/ˈmuːvmənt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈmuːvmənt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈmüv-mənt/ (ame, mw)
movement — noun
- movementsingular
- movementsplural
1. the action of changing where a body part, object, or person is, or the way this
the action of changing where a body part, object, or person is, or the way this is done
The nurse noticed a slight movement of the patient's fingers.
collocation: slight movement
With a swift movement, Niran caught the falling glass before it hit the floor.
collocation: swift movement
The dancer's movements across the stage were smooth and carefully practiced.
Dahlia watched the movement of leaves outside her window on the windy day.
A security camera at the gate detected movement near the storage shed.
文法句型
a movement + prep/adverb
movement + of + noun
slight/quick/swift + movement
用法筆記
Often used with adjectives that describe speed or quality, such as slow, swift, sudden, or smooth.
常見錯誤
2. all the different places someone goes and the jobs they do in a certain span, pa
all the different places someone goes and the jobs they do in a certain span, particularly when others keep track of them
Police officers were asked to report on the suspect's movements over the weekend.
verb pattern: report on someone's movements
Femi tracked the delivery van's movements throughout the day using GPS.
The explorer recorded his daily movements in a journal during the expedition.
Naoko's sudden movements after midnight made the night guard curious.
A private detective followed the woman's movements for three days.
- activities
more general; does not necessarily imply that someone is watching
- actions
focuses on the effects or results of what someone does, not just where they go
文法句型
someone's movements
track/report/monitor + someone's movements
用法筆記
Typically used in the plural (movements). The subject is often an authority figure such as police, a detective, or security personnel.
3. many individuals united by common aims, working to bring about change in areas s
many individuals united by common aims, working to bring about change in areas such as society, government, or the arts
The civil rights movement brought major legal changes to the country.
collocation: civil rights movement
Christopher joined the environmental movement after the local river became heavily polluted.
collocation: environmental movement
A growing movement is calling for better public transportation in rural areas.
The women's movement has focused on equal pay and fair treatment at work.
Students started a movement to reduce plastic waste in the school cafeteria.
文法句型
a + adj + movement
the + noun + movement
movement + for + noun
用法筆記
Often used in the pattern 'the [noun] movement' where the noun describes the main concern of the group, e.g. the peace movement, the labor movement, the feminist movement.
常見錯誤
4. a gradual change in what many people think, believe, or do over a period of time
a gradual change in what many people think, believe, or do over a period of time
There has been a clear movement toward healthier eating in recent years.
pattern: movement toward + noun
The movement away from coal power has accelerated in many countries.
pattern: movement away from + noun
Sociologists study the movement of public opinion on social media platforms.
James noticed a slow movement toward more flexible working hours at his company.
文法句型
a movement + toward/away from + noun
movement + in + noun
用法筆記
Often followed by 'toward' or 'away from' to indicate the direction of the change. This sense is very similar to 'trend' but emphasizes the ongoing process of change.
5. the process of developing or making progress toward a goal, especially in a task
the process of developing or making progress toward a goal, especially in a task, situation, or activity
The project manager reported steady movement forward on the bridge construction.
collocation: steady movement forward
Rohan was pleased with the movement in negotiations between the two companies.
There has been little movement on the trade agreement since the disagreement.
Doctors noted positive movement in the patient's recovery after the new treatment.
Emily saw little movement in her job application status despite sending follow-up emails.
- progress
more direct and common; 'progress' always has a positive implication, while 'movement' can be neutral
- development
focuses on the stages of growth or change; often used for projects or situations
文法句型
movement + in + noun
movement + on + noun
little/no movement
用法筆記
Typically used with prepositions like 'in' (in negotiations) or 'on' (on a deal). Often occurs in negative constructions such as 'no movement' or 'little movement.'
常見錯誤
6. one of several separate, named parts within a large musical work like a symphony
one of several separate, named parts within a large musical work like a symphony, each having its own tempo and mood
The orchestra played the second movement of Beethoven's symphony beautifully.
pattern: the + ordinal + movement + of + [composition]
Isabela practiced the slow movement of the piano sonata for several hours.
The final movement of the piece returned to the fast tempo of the opening.
Each movement of this concerto has a different mood and rhythm.
文法句型
the first/second/third/final movement
movement + of + composition name
用法筆記
Almost always used with a number or adjective (first, second, slow, fast, final) to specify which section. The word itself does not imply any particular length or speed.
7. the inner mechanism of a timekeeping device whose gears turn the hands that show
the inner mechanism of a timekeeping device whose gears turn the hands that show the time
The watchmaker carefully cleaned the movement of the antique grandfather clock.
collocation: clean the movement
The movement of this pocket watch has been running accurately for over a century.
Camille repaired the broken movement inside the old wall clock.
A quartz movement keeps time much better than a mechanical one.
文法句型
the movement + of + a clock/watch
mechanical/quartz movement
用法筆記
Used with adjectives that describe the type of mechanism, such as 'mechanical,' 'quartz,' or 'automatic.' This is a technical term in horology.
8. the bodily process of expelling solid waste from the digestive tract, or the was
the bodily process of expelling solid waste from the digestive tract, or the waste itself — a clinical term common in medical settings
The doctor asked the patient about his bowel movements over the past week.
collocation: bowel movement
A diet rich in fiber helps keep bowel movements regular.
collocation: regular bowel movements
The nurse recorded the date of the patient's last bowel movement in the chart.
Irregular bowel movements can sometimes indicate a problem with digestion.
文法句型
have a bowel movement
regular/irregular bowel movements
用法筆記
This is a polite or clinical term used in medical settings. In everyday conversation, people more commonly use other expressions.