ENGLISH
REFERENCE

gravitational

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌɡɹævɪˈteɪʃənəɫ// UK //ɡɹˌævɪtˈeɪʃənəl// grav·i·ta·tion·al

adj. relating to the natural force that pulls objects toward each other, like how the Earth pulls you toward the ground.

adj. relating to the force of attraction between any two masses in the universe. Typically describes the physical interaction between celestial bodies or the pull exerted by a planet.


SIMPLE

The moon's gravitational pull causes the tides on Earth.

CONTEXTUAL

Scientists measured the gravitational waves produced by the collision of two distant black holes.

COMPLEX

The spacecraft utilized a gravitational assist from Jupiter to gain enough velocity to reach the outer edges of the solar system.

Synonyms
Origin

From gravitation + -al.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun; frequently pairs with 'pull', 'force', or 'field'.

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