kinetic
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
relating to or caused by movement.
relating to, caused by, or characterized by physical motion.
Simple“The wind turbine converts the kinetic energy of the wind into electricity.”
In context“In classical mechanics, kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses by virtue of being in motion, calculated as half the mass times velocity squared.”
UsageCommonly used in the phrase 'kinetic energy'.
- 02 C1 Advanced
a polite way to describe active fighting or the use of weapons.
a euphemism referring to active warfare, lethal force, or physical combat operations.
Simple“The government decided to use kinetic force to stop the illegal group.”
In context“Military analysts debated whether a kinetic intervention would stabilize the region or merely escalate the existing civil conflict.”
Teacher's tipThis is a common euphemism in modern political and military discourse to avoid using words like 'killing' or 'bombing'.
Antonymsdiplomaticnon violent - 03 C1 Advanced
full of energy and movement.
characterized by high energy, rapid movement, or dynamic activity.
Simple“The city has a kinetic atmosphere that makes you feel excited.”
In context“The director's kinetic style of filmmaking uses fast cuts and handheld cameras to keep the audience on edge.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
very busy, fast, or slightly crazy.
characterized by frantic or intense activity; often used to describe a chaotic environment.
Simple“The office gets really kinetic right before the holiday break.”
In context“The trading floor was absolutely kinetic as the market crashed, with brokers shouting orders and scrambling to minimize losses.”
“After 20 years away, Capcom’s hyper kinetic action adventure returns, pitting skilled samurai Miyamoto Musashi against hordes of warriors and demons in Edo-period Kyoto.”
“Kinetic energy is based on how fast stuff is moving.”
From Ancient Greek κινητικός (kinētikós, “puts in motion”), from κινέω (kinéō, “I move, put in motion”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.