antigravity: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Technical/Science Fiction
Quick answer
What does “antigravity” mean?
A hypothetical force or technology that opposes or nullifies the effects of gravity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hypothetical force or technology that opposes or nullifies the effects of gravity.
Relating to concepts or devices designed to reduce, cancel, or shield against gravitational pull; often used figuratively for ideas or things that seem to defy normal constraints.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or definition differences. The hyphenated form 'anti-gravity' is somewhat more common in British publications, but 'antigravity' (closed) is standard in both technical and popular contexts.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both variants: scientific speculation or science fiction.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to the larger volume of science fiction and popular science media, but the difference is negligible.
Grammar
How to Use “antigravity” in a Sentence
[Noun] + of + antigravityantigravity + [Noun]based on antigravityVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “antigravity” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The sci-fi film featured an antigravity hovercar.
- They researched antigravity materials.
American English
- The novel described an antigravity belt.
- Antigravity research received speculative funding.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in pitches for advanced technology startups or speculative investment contexts.
Academic
Used in theoretical physics, aerospace engineering papers, and philosophy of science discussing hypothetical forces.
Everyday
Very rare. Almost exclusively in discussions about science fiction films, books, or video games.
Technical
Used in speculative engineering, advanced propulsion research, and theoretical physics to describe concepts countering gravity.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “antigravity”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “antigravity”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to antigravity').
- Confusing it with 'zero-gravity' (a condition, not a technology).
- Misspelling as 'anti-gravitiy' or 'antigravitty'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Maglev uses magnetic repulsion to counteract gravity indirectly. True antigravity, as theorised, would act directly on the gravitational force itself, which is not yet scientifically possible.
Yes, it is commonly used attributively (functioning as an adjective) before nouns, e.g., 'antigravity chamber', 'antigravity device'. It is rarely, if ever, used predictively (e.g., 'The device is antigravity').
It is not an established field like electromagnetism. It is a speculative topic within theoretical physics and advanced propulsion research, often viewed with skepticism by mainstream science due to the lack of experimental evidence or a viable theory.
'Zero-gravity' (or microgravity) describes a condition, like that experienced in orbit, where gravity's effects are not felt. 'Antigravity' implies an active technology or force that creates a localised repulsion against a gravitational field.
A hypothetical force or technology that opposes or nullifies the effects of gravity.
Antigravity is usually formal/technical/science fiction in register.
Antigravity: in British English it is pronounced /ˌantɪˈɡravɪti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæntaɪˈɡrævədi/ˌˌæntiˈɡrævədi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of ANTI-aircraft missiles that shoot planes down from the sky. ANTIgravity does the opposite—it shoots things UP, away from the ground's pull.
Conceptual Metaphor
FREEDOM FROM CONSTRAINT (Gravity as a fundamental limitation; antigravity represents liberation from it.)
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'antigravity' MOST appropriately used?