gravitate
UK[ˈɡrævɪteɪt]US[ˈɡrævɪteɪt]
v
to be attracted to or move towards something or someone
v
to be naturally drawn to a particular activity, state, or person
Morpheme Breakdown
grav
itate
grav
heavy
itate
verb suffix
Etymology
the word gravitate originates from the latin verb 'gravitare', meaning 'to have weight' or 'to be heavy', which itself is derived from the adjective 'gravis' (heavy). the core concept of weight and downward force, influenced by the scientific law of universal gravitation, provided the metaphorical foundation. this evolved from describing a physical tendency to move towards a center of gravity to describing a figurative, often irresistible, attraction or inclination towards a person, place, or idea.
Analysis
Structure: grav (heavy) + itate (verb suffix)
grav (from latin 'gravis', meaning heavy, weighty, serious). itate (a verb-forming suffix from latin '-itare', indicating a process or tendency).
Examples
in social situations, people often gravitate towards others with similar interests.
the conversation eventually gravitated back to the main topic of funding.
during the merger, talented employees began to gravitate to the more dynamic division.