Meaning
引力 refers to the force of attraction between objects, most commonly gravity. In physics contexts, it describes the gravitational pull between masses. It can also metaphorically refer to any kind of attractive force or appeal that draws things or people together.
Usage
This is a formal, scientific term primarily used in physics, astronomy, and academic contexts. Native speakers use it when discussing gravity in educational settings or scientific discussions. In everyday conversation, people might simply say 重力 (zhòng lì) for gravity or use more colloquial expressions for attraction between people.
Examples
- 01牛顿发现了万有引力定律。.Newton discovered the law of universal gravitation.
- 02月球的引力比地球小得多。.The Moon's gravitational force is much smaller than Earth's.
Characters
Measure words
- 种一种引力
Common collocations
- 万有引力universal gravitation
- 引力场gravitational field
- 引力波gravitational wave
- 地球引力Earth's gravity
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines 引 (to pull/attract) and 力 (force), literally meaning 'pulling force' or 'attractive force.' This term emerged as a translation of Western scientific concepts during the modernization of Chinese scientific vocabulary in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.