Motion

Definition

A motion is the action or process of moving or being moved.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmoʊʃən/
• Respelling: MOH-shun (with "MOH" as in "motel" and "shun" as in "mission")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈməʊʃən/
• Respelling: MOH-shun (with "MOH" as in "motel" and "shun" as in "mission")

In both dialects, "motion" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "MOH." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "MOH-shun."

Etymology

The term "motion" originates from the Latin word "mōtiō", from "mōtus", the past participle of "mōvēre" meaning "to move". It entered English around the late Middle English period.

Derivatives

• Motionless
• Motioner
• Motioning
• Remotion
• Emotion

Synonyms

• Movement
• Action
• Gesture

Antonyms

• Stillness
• Stasis
• Inactivity

Usage

"Motion" can refer to the action or process of moving physically, or a formal proposal put to a legislative body.

• The dancer's motion was fluid and graceful.
• The council will discuss the motion to build a new playground.
• With a swift motion, she brushed her hair back.

Related Terms

• Locomotion
• Emotion
• Promotion
• Commotion
• Notion

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Physical Movement: An act, process, or instance of changing place.‍
• Example: The perpetual motion of the planets.

• Formal Proposal: A formal proposal put to a legislative or committee body.‍
• Example: The council member raised a motion to increase funds for healthcare.

• Gesture: A gesture or sign used to express or indicate something.‍
• Example: With a simple motion of her hand, she signaled for silence.

Verb

• Direct or Command: To direct or command (someone) by a movement or gesture.‍
• Example: She motioned for everyone to sit.

• Move or Propel: To move or propel in a specified direction or manner.‍
• Example: The machine motioned the conveyor belt forward.