propel
B2Formal/Neutral
Definition
Meaning
to drive, push, or cause something to move forward or onward.
to encourage or cause something (or someone) to develop or progress in a particular direction; to be a driving force behind an idea, project, or career.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies an active, directed force being applied, not just passive movement. Used for both physical objects and abstract concepts like careers or ideas.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Spelling of derived words differs (propelling vs. propelling - same spelling).
Connotations
Both regions share the same connotations of force and directed motion.
Frequency
Slightly more common in technical or formal writing in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
propel + objectpropel + object + prepositional phrase (to, into, through)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “propel to the top”
- “propel into the limelight”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The new marketing strategy propelled sales figures to record heights.
Academic
Newton's laws explain how a force can propel an object.
Everyday
The strong current propelled the swimmer quickly to the shore.
Technical
The ion thrusters are used to propel the satellite into a higher orbit.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The jet engine will propel the aircraft across the Atlantic.
- His outstanding performance propelled him into the first team.
- She used a long pole to propel the punt down the river.
American English
- A strong tailwind helped propel the plane to its destination faster.
- The scandal propelled the issue to the top of the news cycle.
- He used his feet to propel himself on the scooter.
adverb
British English
- None standard. 'Propellingly' is not an established adverb.
American English
- None standard. 'Propellingly' is not an established adverb.
adjective
British English
- The propel mechanism was damaged.
- None - 'propelling' is the adjective form (e.g., propelling force).
American English
- The propel stage of the rocket fired successfully.
- None - 'propelling' is the adjective form (e.g., propelling pencil).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The wind can propel a sailboat.
- Push the pedal to propel the bicycle forward.
- The engine's power is used to propel the car.
- Her excellent exam results propelled her to university.
- The new evidence is likely to propel the investigation in a different direction.
- He was propelled into the spotlight after his viral video.
- Technological innovations in battery design continue to propel the electric vehicle market forward.
- A complex mix of ambition and circumstance propelled her to the leadership position.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PROPELLER on a boat: its blades PUSH water backward, which PROPELS the boat forward.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS FORWARD MOTION (e.g., propel a career, propel an idea forward).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'promote' (продвигать) in all contexts; 'propel' implies more physical or forceful momentum.
- Do not translate literally as 'propeller' (пропеллер), which is the noun for the device.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'propel' for slow, gradual movement (Incorrect: 'The gentle breeze propelled the leaf.' Better: 'moved').
- Confusing 'propelled by' with 'caused by' in non-physical contexts.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'propel' correctly in a metaphorical sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is commonly used metaphorically to mean 'drive forward' abstract things like a career, project, or idea.
The main noun forms are 'propulsion' (the action) and 'propellant' (the substance that propels). 'Propeller' is a related noun for a mechanical device.
'Propel' usually implies a physical or direct force causing motion. 'Impel' is more often used for internal or abstract driving forces, like motivation or duty.
Yes, very commonly. E.g., 'She was propelled to fame by the success of her first novel.'