motion
C1Formal, Neutral, Technical
Definition
Meaning
The process or act of changing position or location; movement.
1. A formal proposal put forward for discussion and voting in a deliberative assembly. 2. A gesture or signal conveying intention or instruction.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term spans physical movement, parliamentary procedure, and signaling. It can be countable (a motion) or uncountable (in motion).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK parliamentary contexts, 'to table a motion' means to formally propose it for discussion. In US parliamentary contexts, 'to table a motion' usually means to postpone or kill it. The phrase 'motion sickness' is equally common.
Connotations
Both varieties share core meanings; the parliamentary usage difference is the primary divergence.
Frequency
The noun is high-frequency in both. The verb form ('to motion to someone') is less common but understood.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
motion (for someone) to do somethingmotion to/at someonebe in motionput/set something in motionVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “go through the motions”
- “set the wheels in motion”
- “a motion to adjourn”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
In meetings: 'I'd like to propose a motion to approve the budget.'
Academic
In physics: 'Newton's first law deals with objects in uniform motion.'
Everyday
Describing movement: 'The cat followed the motion of the butterfly.'
Technical
In engineering: 'The mechanism allows for reciprocal motion.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The usher motioned for us to follow him.
- She motioned towards the empty chair.
American English
- The coach motioned the player to come off the field.
- He motioned at the waiter for the check.
adjective
British English
- The motion sensor light is very sensitive.
- They studied motion capture technology.
American English
- She filed a motion picture permit.
- The motion detection system was activated.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The car was in motion.
- She made a motion with her head.
- The council voted on the motion.
- The motion of the boat made me feel sick.
- He seconded the motion to increase funding.
- The intricate motion of the machinery fascinated the engineers.
- The attorney filed a motion to dismiss the case.
- Planetary motion is governed by gravitational forces.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MOTION' as 'MOTor actION' – the action of a motor is movement.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS MOTION (e.g., 'time flies', 'the years rolled by'). CHANGE IS MOTION (e.g., 'set the changes in motion').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'motion' as 'эмоция' (emotion) – false friend. 'Motion' as a parliamentary term is 'предложение', not 'движение' in that context. 'Slow motion' is 'замедленная съёмка' or 'замедленное движение', not 'медленное движение' for video.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'He made a motion his hand.' Correct: 'He made a motion *with* his hand.' or 'He motioned *with* his hand.'
- Confusing 'motion' (process) with 'movement' (often the result or instance).
Practice
Quiz
In a US formal meeting, if someone says 'I move to table the motion,' what are they most likely trying to do?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but less commonly. It means to direct or signal someone with a gesture (e.g., 'She motioned for me to sit down').
'Motion' often refers to the abstract process or fact of moving ('laws of motion'). 'Movement' more often refers to a specific instance, a group of people, or a section of music. They are often interchangeable, but 'motion' is more technical/physical, and 'movement' is more general.
It's an idiom meaning to do something mechanically, without enthusiasm or real interest, just as a routine.
Yes, but it's archaic. 'Motion picture' is the full term, often shortened to 'movie' in AmE or 'film' in BrE. The industry is called 'the motion picture industry'.
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Formal Debate Language
C2 · 48 words · Language for structured academic and political debate.
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