momento: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

B2
UK/mə(ʊ)ˈmɛntəm/US/moʊˈmɛn.t̬əm/

Formal, Academic, Business

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Quick answer

What does “momento” mean?

The impetus or driving force gained by a moving object or a developing process.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The impetus or driving force gained by a moving object or a developing process.

A continuing capacity for growth, development, or success; the strength or force that allows something to advance or sustain itself.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in meaning or usage.

Connotations

Slightly more common in US business/media discourse about campaigns, markets, or sports.

Frequency

High frequency in both varieties within technical, journalistic, and business contexts.

Grammar

How to Use “momento” in a Sentence

Verb + momentum (gain/build/lose)Adjective + momentum (growing/irresistible)

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
gain momentumbuild momentumlose momentum
medium
maintain momentumcarry momentumforward momentum
weak
considerable momentuminitial momentumpolitical momentum

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

The merger talks are gaining momentum and should conclude next quarter.

Academic

The momentum of the falling object was calculated before impact.

Everyday

Our team lost momentum after the goalkeeper got injured.

Technical

Angular momentum is conserved in a closed system.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “momento”

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “momento”

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “momento”

  • Using 'momentum' as an adjective (e.g., 'a momentum project').
  • Confusing 'moment' (a point in time) with 'momentum'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

'Moment' refers to a brief, specific point in time. 'Momentum' refers to the force or speed of movement, either physical or figurative, that continues over time.

Yes, especially in contexts like sports, projects, or trends to describe something that is building speed or force (e.g., 'The plan is finally getting some momentum').

It is usually uncountable. You do not typically say 'a momentum' or 'momentums'. You might refer to 'a lot of momentum' or 'different types of momentum' in physics.

The most common mistake is confusing it with 'moment' due to the similar spelling, leading to errors like 'At that momentum, I decided to leave' (incorrect).

The impetus or driving force gained by a moving object or a developing process.

Momento is usually formal, academic, business in register.

Momento: in British English it is pronounced /mə(ʊ)ˈmɛntəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /moʊˈmɛn.t̬əm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • gather momentum
  • with unstoppable momentum
  • a moment of momentum

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a MOMent when something starts TO Move powerfully - that's MOMENTUM.

Conceptual Metaphor

PROGRESS/SUCCESS IS FORWARD PHYSICAL MOTION.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The campaign started slowly but began to momentum after the TV advertisement.
Multiple Choice

In which context is 'momentum' used LEAST appropriately?

Practise

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Five interactive tools to remember words, train your ear, and build vocabulary in real context — drawn from this dictionary.

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