Gravity
/ˈɡrævɪti/noun
The natural force that attracts bodies toward one another, especially that which draws objects toward the Earth.
Did you know?In classical Latin, *gravitas* meant not only physical heaviness but also seriousness, dignity, and weight of character — as if being “grounded” was a moral power too.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʷerə-
“to make heavy, to be heavy”
Latin
Latin
gravis
“heavy, weighty, serious”
Latin
Latin
gravitas
“heaviness; seriousness; dignity”
Old French
Old French
gravité
“weight; seriousness”
Late Middle English
English
gravite
“weight; force of downward attraction”
Modern English
English
gravity
“the force that attracts bodies toward one another”