What does gravitationally mean?
“Gravitationally” is an adverb describing an action, condition, or relationship that results from, is measured by, or is determined by gravity. A spacecraft may be described as gravitationally bound when gravity governs its orbit, while a planet is gravitationally stable when opposing forces prevent it from collapsing or escaping. In less technical prose, the word can suggest powerful attraction or importance, although this figurative use is less common than the scientific one. The adverb is especially useful when the relationship to gravity itself, rather than motion of any kind, is the central point. It is formed from “gravitational,” which is related to “gravitation,” with the adverbial suffix “-ly.” Compared with broad alternatives such as “by gravity,” it explicitly identifies gravity as the cause, organizing principle, or basis of a phenomenon. Familiar in discussions of astronomy and mechanics, it also provides technical writing with a concise way to describe gravitational attraction, balance, confinement, and related states.
adverbIn a manner involving, resulting from, or determined by gravity. The word can also be used figuratively to indicate powerful attraction or importance.
- In a manner involving, resulting from, or determined by gravity.
"The satellite remains gravitationally bound to the planet while it completes each orbit."
"The two stars orbit a shared center and are gravitationally bound to one another."
"The proposal was treated as gravitationally important because it could shift the discussion toward a much larger issue."
Every falling apple has demonstrated gravitationally what the word means.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gravitationally come from?
“Gravitationally” was formed by adding the adverbial suffix “-ly” to “gravitational,” itself derived from “gravitation.” These forms belong to an English word family based on Latin gravitas, meaning “weight” or “heaviness,” which derives from gravis, meaning “heavy.” The family entered English partly through French gravity and gravité and includes gravitate and gravitation as well as gravity.
How gravitationally is actually used
Generally formal and technical, especially common in astronomy, physics, and orbital mechanics. Its figurative use conveys strong attraction, influence, or importance.
Easily confused with gravitationally
“Gravitational” is an adjective describing something involving gravity, whereas “gravitationally” is an adverb describing an action or state performed or determined by it.