lexicow

impetus

/ˈɪmpɪtəs//ˈɪmpɪtəs/·noun
|

Definition

An impetus is the push that gets something going or keeps it moving. A new law can give impetus to clean energy; a crisis can be the impetus for reform. The word comes from the Latin for 'attack, impulse', and it keeps that sense of a driving force applied at the right moment — the shove that turns intention into motion. Once enough impetus is behind a movement, it can carry forward under its own weight.

Examples

  • The discovery gave fresh impetus to a field that had stalled for nearly a decade.
  • Public anger over the scandal became the impetus, the catalyst that finally forced new rules.
  • Rising fuel prices provided both the impetus and the momentum for cities to expand public transit.

Collocations

give impetus to·provide the impetus·fresh impetus·the impetus for change·gather impetus

Synonyms

stimulus·impulse·drive·motivation·momentum

Antonyms

hindrance·obstacle

Word family

impetuous (adjective)

In TOEFL & IELTS

A favorite of IELTS Writing Task 2 on change and development: 'give impetus to', 'provide the impetus for'. It is an uncountable noun used with give/provide/gain. Don't confuse it with the related adjective 'impetuous' (acting rashly on impulse). Stress falls on the first syllable: IM-pe-tus.