gravitate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, but also used in general written and spoken contexts.
Quick answer
What does “gravitate” mean?
To be drawn towards a place, person, or thing, especially by a natural or powerful attraction or tendency.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To be drawn towards a place, person, or thing, especially by a natural or powerful attraction or tendency.
To move or be influenced toward a particular state, condition, idea, or group; to be pulled by the force of gravity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties. No significant grammatical or semantic differences.
Connotations
Neutral in both, implying natural attraction or inclination.
Frequency
Equally common in both formal writing; slightly more frequent in American journalistic and political discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “gravitate” in a Sentence
Verb + towards/to + noun phraseVerb + adverb/prepositional phrase (e.g., away from, around)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gravitate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- People naturally gravitate towards pubs with a friendly atmosphere.
- In debates, he tends to gravitate to the more conservative viewpoint.
American English
- During the party, guests gravitated toward the kitchen where the food was.
- Investors are gravitating to safer assets in this market.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form from 'gravitate'. Conceptually: 'He moved gravitationally towards the centre of power.']
American English
- [No standard adverb form. Conceptually: 'The crowd shifted gravitationally towards the main stage.']
adjective
British English
- [The adjective form is 'gravitational', not directly derived from 'gravitate'. Example: The gravitational pull of the city is strong for young graduates.]
American English
- [The adjective form is 'gravitational'. Example: The stock's gravitational attraction for value investors was clear.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Employees often gravitate towards leaders who communicate a clear vision.
Academic
In the absence of external guidance, particles will gravitate towards a state of equilibrium.
Everyday
At family gatherings, the kids always gravitate to the garden to play.
Technical
The satellite will slowly gravitate towards the planet due to orbital decay.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gravitate”
- Using as a transitive verb (e.g., 'It gravitates me' is incorrect). Forgetting the required preposition ('towards' or 'to').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost always. It is an intransitive verb requiring a prepositional phrase (e.g., towards, to, around, away from) to complete its meaning.
No. It implies a slower, more gradual, or natural movement or tendency over time, not a sudden action.
The related noun is 'gravitation', as in 'the gravitation of young people to cities'. The process or tendency itself is 'gravitation'.
No, that is incorrect. The correct opposite idea is expressed with 'gravitate away from'.
To be drawn towards a place, person, or thing, especially by a natural or powerful attraction or tendency.
Gravitate is usually formal, but also used in general written and spoken contexts. in register.
Gravitate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡræv.ɪ.teɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡræv.ə.teɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms with 'gravitate' as the head word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of GRAVITY: GRAVITATE means to be pulled by an attraction, just like gravity pulls objects to Earth.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL/INTELLECTUAL ATTRACTION IS PHYSICAL GRAVITY (e.g., 'He gravitates towards intelligent people').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'gravitate' correctly?