Inertia Meaning and Definition
Inertia
Pronunciation
/ɪnˈtɪəriə/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A property of matter where an object at rest remains at rest and an object in motion remains in motion unless acted upon by an external force.
Examples
- The ball continued to roll down the hill due to inertia.
- The car kept moving even after the driver took their foot off the accelerator due to inertia.
Synonyms
- Laziness
- Tendency to maintain a course
Antonyms
- Motivation
- Momentum
Etymology
The word “inertia” comes from the Latin “inertia”, meaning “indifference to motion” or “laziness”. It was first coined by Italian physicist Giovanni Battista Benedetti in the 16th century.
Usage Notes
Inertia is often used to describe the tendency of an object to remain in its state of motion or rest unless acted upon by an external force. It can also be used figuratively to describe a person’s reluctance to change their status quo or their tendency to resist change.
Cultural References
Inertia has been referenced in popular culture, such as in the TV show “The Big Bang Theory” and the movie “Back to the Future”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Inertia takes over”
- “Lack of inertia”
Related Words or Phrases
- Mass
- Force
- Momentum
Collocations
- Inertia of an object
- Inertia of a situation
Frequency of Use
Inertia is a commonly used term in physics and everyday language, with a frequency of use increasing due to its relevance in modern understanding of the natural world.
Common Misspellings
- Enertia
- Intertia