Words / C1

IMP-it-uh-s/ˈɪmpɪtəs/

Impetus is a push that makes a process start or speed up: the prize gave her the impetus to finish. Momentum is what keeps something going once it is moving; motivation is more internal and everyday. Give impetus to / the impetus for change. It is a little formal; in speech, the push or what got me started is plainer.

Meaning

Something that encourages a process or activity to happen more quickly.

Examples

• “The prize gave her the impetus to finish the book.”
• “The scandal gave fresh impetus to the reform bill.”
• “Without a deadline, the project lacked impetus.”

Good to know

the impetus for / give impetus to. A push to start or accelerate. Everyday: push / motivation. Contrast: momentum = keep going.

Near in meaning

momentum

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