driving force
/'draiviɳfɔ:s/
Definition
Noun: 1. The main cause or motivating factor that makes something happen or progress: The primary agent, influence, or energy that initiates, sustains, or directs an activity, process, or change. 2. The act of applying force to propel something: (In physics/mechanics) The action of exerting energy to move an object forward.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (Motivating Factor):
- Her passion for justice was the driving force behind the new legislation.
- Innovation is the driving force of economic growth in the tech industry.
- What was the driving force for your decision to change careers?
- Noun (Propelling Force):
- The driving force of the piston turns the crankshaft.
- In this experiment, gravity provides the driving force for the falling object.
Advanced Usage
- "To be the driving force behind something": To be the primary person or factor responsible for causing something to happen.
- She was the driving force behind the community clean-up project.
- "To act as a driving force": To function as a key motivator or cause.
- Consumer demand acts as a driving force for product development.
Variants and Related Words
- Drive (noun): Can share the meaning of a motivating force or instinct (e.g., ). Also refers to a trip in a vehicle or a type of road.
- Driver (noun): A person who drives a vehicle; figuratively, a key factor (e.g., ).
Synonyms
- Motivation: The reason or reasons for acting or behaving in a particular way.
- Impetus: The force or energy with which a body moves; a stimulus or encouragement.
- Catalyst: A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
- Prime mover: A person or thing that is the main initiator of an action.
Related Phrases
- Force to be reckoned with: A person or thing considered powerful and significant.
- Her new company is a force to be reckoned with in the industry. (This implies the company itself is a powerful driving force.)
Related Idioms
- Behind the wheel: In control of a vehicle; figuratively, in charge of a situation.
- With the new CEO behind the wheel, the company's strategy changed completely. (This idiom relates to the "driver" aspect of a driving force.)
Noun
-
the act of applying force to propel something
-
after reaching the desired velocity the drive is cut off
-
