Impetus Meaning
/ˈɪm.pə.təs/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounAnything that impels; a stimulating factor.
nounA force, either internal or external, that impels; an impulse.
Sentence Examples
Note that the impetus for change has undergone a series of transformations in this community.
He did everything with great impetus.
If there's no reward, what's the impetus to return their dog?
CEFR Practice Quiz
The new government policy gave a strong ____ to the struggling economy.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The new government report provided the necessary ____ for much-needed reforms in the school system.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from Latin impetus (“a rushing upon, an attack, assault, onset”), from impetō (“to rush upon, attack”), from in- (“upon”) + petō (“to seek, fall upon”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Once set a strong mind thinking, and you have done all that it needs for its education. It matters little what is the first impetus, so that it only be set to work."
— 1838 (date written), L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], chapter VI, in Lady Anne Granard; or, Keeping up Appearances. […], volume I, London: Henry Colburn, […], published 1842, →OCLC, page 64:
"In a single moment Montenegro and their supporters were given fresh impetus and encouragement. Beciraj tested Hart with a low shot before teenager Phil Jones, on his England debut, suffered an anxious moment when Stevan Jovetic went down under his challenge, leaving the youngster clearly relieved to see referee Stark wave away Montenegro's appeals."
— 2011, Phil McNulty, Euro 2012: Montenegro 2-2 England:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The new government policy gave a strong ____ to the struggling economy.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The new government report provided the necessary ____ for much-needed reforms in the school system.