momentum
Translation
momentum, impetus, driving force
Examples
The campaign is gaining momentum.
The campaign is gaining momentum.
The ball gathered momentum as it rolled down.
The ball gathered momentum as it rolled down.
Grammar Patterns
to gain/gather momentum to increase in force or speed The project is finally gaining momentum.
to lose momentum to decrease in force or speed The team lost momentum after the key player was injured.
Similar Words
Synonyms: impetus, drive, force, thrust
Etymology
Directly from Latin 'momentum' ('movement, moving power'), from 'movere' ('to move'). Same root as 'moment'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a heavy ball that is hard to stop once it starts to 'move' - it has momentum.