impetus
UK[ˈɪmpɪtəs]US[ˈɪmpɪtəs]
n
the force that makes something happen or happen more quickly
n
the force or energy with which a body moves
Morpheme Breakdown
in
pet
us
in
in, into, towards
pet
to seek, to aim at, to rush at
us
Etymology
the word impetus originates from latin, where it meant 'an attack, assault, or rapid movement towards something'. it is derived from the verb 'impetere', a compound of the prefix 'in-' (towards) and 'petere' (to seek, aim, rush). the core semantic thread from its latin root is the concept of directed force or a driving impulse. over time, the meaning evolved from a physical 'onrush' to encompass the more abstract sense of a stimulus or driving force behind any action or development.
Analysis
Structure: in + pet + us
in- (latin prefix, meaning 'in, into, towards'); pet (latin root from 'petere', meaning 'to seek, to aim at, to rush at'); -us (latin noun-forming suffix)
Examples
the tragic accident provided the impetus for changes in the safety regulations.
the spacecraft's final impetus came from its booster rockets.
losing the first game gave the team the impetus to train harder.