Gravity vs. Gravitation — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 30, 2023
Gravity refers to the force that attracts objects towards each other, while gravitation is the theory describing the laws governing this force.
Difference Between Gravity and Gravitation
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Gravity is commonly used to describe the force that pulls objects toward each other, especially the attraction of objects toward the Earth. Gravitation, on the other hand, is a more formal term that refers to the universal force of attraction acting between all matter.
Gravity is often used in everyday language and is associated with the practical effects of this force, such as objects falling to the ground or the feeling of weight. Gravitation is typically used in scientific contexts and encompasses the principles and equations describing the gravitational force, as defined by Newton's law of universal gravitation and Einstein's theory of general relativity.
When discussing gravity, people usually refer to the specific instances of this force, such as the gravity on Earth or the gravity of a celestial body. In contrast, gravitation is used to discuss the general concept and laws governing the gravitational interaction between masses, irrespective of their specific context.
Gravity is a term that is also metaphorically used to describe seriousness or importance, as in "the gravity of a situation." Gravitation, however, remains a term strictly related to physics and does not have such metaphorical uses.
Comparison Chart
Usage
Common in everyday language and practical contexts
Used in scientific and formal contexts
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Scope
Often refers to specific instances of gravitational force
Refers to the general concept and laws governing gravitational interactions
Metaphorical Use
Can be used metaphorically to denote seriousness
Strictly used in a scientific context with no metaphorical use
Relation to Earth
Frequently implies the force of attraction towards Earth
Implies the universal force acting between all matter
Association
Associated with the effects of the force
Associated with the theory and principles describing the force
Compare with Definitions
Gravity
Seriousness or importance.
The judge emphasized the gravity of the crime during sentencing.
Gravitation
The force by which a planet or other body draws objects toward its center.
The theory of gravitation explains how planets orbit the sun.
Gravity
The force that attracts a body toward the center of the earth, or toward any other physical body having mass.
The apple fell from the tree due to gravity.
Gravitation
The process by which bodies are brought toward one another.
Gravitation between the Earth and the moon influences tides.
Gravity
A grave or solemn demeanor.
His face took on a look of gravity when he heard the news.
Gravitation
The natural phenomenon of attraction between physical bodies.
Gravitation is responsible for keeping the solar system together.
Gravity
A downward force or influence.
The gravity of the situation pulled his mood down.
Gravitation
A term used to describe the universal force of attraction.
Newton’s law of universal gravitation revolutionized physics.
Gravity
A force of attraction between any two masses.
Gravity keeps the moon in orbit around the Earth.
Gravitation
The theory or study of the movement of physical bodies under the influence of gravity.
Einstein’s general relativity provided a new understanding of gravitation.
Gravity
Gravity (from Latin gravitas 'weight'), or gravitation, is a natural phenomenon by which all things with mass or energy—including planets, stars, galaxies, and even light—are attracted to (or gravitate toward) one another. On Earth, gravity gives weight to physical objects, and the Moon's gravity causes the ocean tides.
Gravitation
The natural phenomenon of attraction between physical objects with mass or energy; the weakest of the four fundamental forces of nature. Also called gravity.
Gravity
The force that attracts a body towards the centre of the earth, or towards any other physical body having mass.
Gravitation
The act or process of moving under the influence of this attraction.
Gravity
Extreme importance; seriousness
Crimes of the utmost gravity
Gravitation
See gravitational interaction.
Gravity
Solemnity of manner
Has the poet ever spoken with greater eloquence or gravity?
Gravitation
A movement toward a source of attraction
The gravitation of the middle classes to the suburbs.
Gravity
The natural attraction between physical bodies, especially when one of the bodies is a celestial body, such as the earth.
Gravitation
(physics) The fundamental force of attraction that exists between all particles with mass in the universe. It is the weakest of the four forces, and possesses a gauge boson known as the graviton.
Gravity
See gravitation.
Gravitation
The act of gravitating.
Gravity
Grave consequence; seriousness or importance
They are still quite unaware of the gravity of their problems.
Gravitation
That species of attraction or force by which all bodies or particles of matter in the universe tend toward each other; called also attraction of gravitation, universal gravitation, and universal gravity. See Attraction, and Weight.
Gravity
Solemnity or dignity of manner.
Gravitation
(physics) the force of attraction between all masses in the universe; especially the attraction of the earth's mass for bodies near its surface;
The more remote the body the less the gravity
The gravitation between two bodies is proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them
Gravitation cannot be held responsible for people falling in love
Gravity
The state or condition of having weight; weight; heaviness.
Gravitation
Movement downward resulting from gravitational attraction;
Irrigation by gravitation rather than by pumps
Gravity
The state or condition of being grave; seriousness.
I hope you appreciate the gravity of the situation.
Gravitation
A figurative movement toward some attraction;
The gravitation of the middle class to the suburbs
Gravity
(music) The lowness of a note.
Gravity
(physics) The force at the Earth's surface, of the attraction by the Earth's masses, and the centrifugal pseudo-force caused by the Earth's rotation, resulting from gravitation.
Gravity
Gravitation, the universal force exercised by two bodies onto each other.
Gravity
(physics) Specific gravity.
Gravity
The state of having weight; beaviness; as, the gravity of lead.
Gravity
Sobriety of character or demeanor.
Gravity
Importance, significance, dignity, etc; hence, seriousness; enormity; as, the gravity of an offense.
They derive an importance from . . . the gravity of the place where they were uttered.
Gravity
The tendency of a mass of matter toward a center of attraction; esp., the tendency of a body toward the center of the earth; terrestrial gravitation.
Gravity
Lowness of tone; - opposed to acuteness.
Gravity
(physics) the force of attraction between all masses in the universe; especially the attraction of the earth's mass for bodies near its surface;
The more remote the body the less the gravity
The gravitation between two bodies is proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them
Gravitation cannot be held responsible for people falling in love
Gravity
A manner that is serious and solemn
Gravity
A solemn and dignified feeling
Common Curiosities
Is gravitation used metaphorically?
No, gravitation is strictly a scientific term and isn't used metaphorically.
Does gravity only refer to the Earth's pull?
While often associated with Earth, gravity refers to the force of attraction between any two masses.
Can gravity vary in strength?
Yes, the strength of gravity can vary depending on the mass of objects and their distance from each other.
What is gravitation?
Gravitation is the theory and principles describing the universal force of attraction acting between all matter.
Is gravitation the same as Newton’s law of universal gravitation?
Newton’s law is a part of the broader concept of gravitation, which includes various theories and laws.
Does gravitation only apply to celestial bodies?
No, gravitation applies to all matter, not just celestial bodies.
Is gravity a theory or a force?
Gravity is a force. The theories that explain how it works are part of gravitation.
Can we feel gravitation?
We feel the effects of gravitational forces, such as the force keeping us grounded on Earth.
What is gravity?
Gravity is the force that attracts objects toward each other, especially toward the center of the Earth.
Can gravity be used metaphorically?
Yes, gravity can be used metaphorically to denote seriousness or importance.
Can gravity be escaped?
In practice, gravity can be overcome with sufficient energy, as in the case of spacecraft.
Does gravitation only work in a vacuum?
No, gravitation works everywhere, not just in a vacuum.
Are gravity and gravitation interchangeable terms?
In casual use, they can be, but in scientific contexts, they have distinct meanings.
Is gravitation responsible for the orbits of planets?
Yes, gravitation is the force that keeps planets in orbit around stars.
Does gravity affect time?
According to Einstein's theory of relativity, gravity can affect the passage of time.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
