gravitational force: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Academic / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “gravitational force” mean?
The natural phenomenon of attraction between physical objects with mass.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The natural phenomenon of attraction between physical objects with mass.
A fundamental, universal force of nature that causes all objects with mass to accelerate towards each other; also used metaphorically to describe a powerful, irresistible attraction.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling: 'gravitational' is universal.
Connotations
Primarily technical/scientific in both varieties. Metaphorical use is slightly more common in AmE journalism.
Frequency
Equally frequent in scientific contexts in both BrE and AmE. Very rare in everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “gravitational force” in a Sentence
The gravitational force between X and YX exerts a gravitational force on Yto overcome/counteract/resist the gravitational forceVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used. A metaphorical stretch might be 'the gravitational force of the market leader'.
Academic
Core term in physics, astronomy, and engineering. Used with precise mathematical definitions.
Everyday
Rare. Might appear in simplified science discussions, e.g., 'The moon's gravitational force causes tides.'
Technical
Precise term describing F = G*(m1*m2)/r^2. Central to classical mechanics and astrophysics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gravitational force”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gravitational force”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gravitational force”
- Using it as a countable noun (*gravitational forces* in the general sense).
- Confusing with 'gravity' (which is the phenomenon, while 'force' is the vector quantity).
- Misspelling as *gravitational *fors*.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In casual use, yes. In precise physics, 'gravity' is the general phenomenon, while 'gravitational force' is the specific measurable vector acting between masses.
In classical Newtonian physics, no, it is always attractive. In some cosmological models (e.g., involving dark energy), an effective repulsive effect is proposed, but it is not termed 'gravitational force'.
Because the force is extremely weak unless at least one mass is planetary in scale (like Earth). The constant G is very small.
Only if referring to multiple distinct force vectors from different sources (e.g., 'the gravitational forces of the Sun and Moon'). For the general concept, it's uncountable.
The natural phenomenon of attraction between physical objects with mass.
Gravitational force is usually academic / scientific in register.
Gravitational force: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡræv.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən.əl ˈfɔːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡræv.əˈteɪ.ʃən.əl ˈfɔːrs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A gravitational pull (metaphorical)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of GRAVITY pulling a FAT (force, attraction, together) man down.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTRACTION IS A FORCE; IRRESISTIBLE INFLUENCE IS GRAVITY (e.g., the gravitational force of his personality).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary factor determining the strength of the gravitational force between two objects?