motion
gb/mˈoʊʃən/ us/mˈoʊʃən/
A2
English
~ 1800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
event
1
movement from one place to another
When something moves from one place or position to another.
Usage pattern:
[something] is in motion
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'motion' with 'emotion', which refers to feelings.
Synonyms
movement (More general and common term for a change in position.)
Antonyms
stillness (Refers to the absence of any movement.)
Collocations
set in motion
|in motion
|stop motion
|slow motion
Themes
daily life
|science
|space
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The sudden motion of the train startled her.
- The planets are in constant motion around the sun.
- He detected a slight motion in the bushes.
Learner examples
- The car is in motion.
- I saw motion in the trees.
- The ball is in motion.
Noun
formal
B2
entity
2
formal proposal in a meeting
A formal idea that someone suggests in a meeting for people to discuss and decide on.
Usage pattern:
to put forward a motion
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with physical movement; context of meetings clarifies meaning.
Synonyms
proposal (A general term for an idea suggested for consideration.)
Antonyms
withdrawal (The act of removing a proposal from consideration.)
Collocations
pass a motion
|propose a motion
|second a motion
Themes
business
|politics
|communication
Examples
- The committee passed a motion to increase funding.
- She put forward a motion to change the meeting date.
- The motion was defeated by a narrow margin.
Learner examples
- He made a motion to start the project.
- The motion passed quickly.
- They voted on the motion.
Noun
technical
B1
event
3
movement in physics or mechanics
In science, when something changes its place over time.
Synonyms
kinematics (Technical term for the branch of mechanics describing motion.)
Antonyms
rest (In physics, refers to no change in position relative to a reference point.)
Collocations
uniform motion
|circular motion
|linear motion
Themes
science
|space
Examples
- Newton's laws describe the motion of objects.
- The study focused on the motion of particles in a fluid.
- They analyzed the projectile's motion using equations.
Learner examples
- The Earth’s motion is around the sun.
- We study motion in science class.
- Motion can be fast or slow.
Noun
B1
entity
4
gesture to communicate or signal
A move you make with your body to show meaning without words.
Synonyms
gesture (More common term for a deliberate movement used as communication.)
Antonyms
stillness (Lack of any bodily movement.)
Collocations
hand motion
|subtle motion
Themes
daily life
|communication
|body
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He made a quick motion for her to sit down.
- The teacher used a hand motion to signal silence.
- With a slight motion of his head, he indicated the door.
Learner examples
- He made a motion with his hand.
- She gave me a small motion to come closer.
- I saw his head make a quick motion.
Grammar
Dictionary form
motion
IPA
GB/mˈoʊʃən/
US/mˈoʊʃən/
Syllables & stress
mo - tion (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (mo)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: motion
- Plural: motion, motions
Word family
Expressions
go through the motions
1/ɡˈoʊ θɹˈu ðə mˈoʊʃənz/
idiom
do without enthusiasm or effort
To do something without caring, just because you have to.
Examples
- He was just going through the motions at work, waiting for retirement.
- She went through the motions of greeting him but seemed distracted.
in motion
1/ˈɪn mˈoʊʃən/
fixed phrase
currently moving or happening
Moving or happening right now.
Examples
- The car was already in motion when we arrived.
- Plans for the event are already in motion.
set in motion
1/sˈɛt ˈɪn mˈoʊʃən/
fixed phrase
start movement or process
To make something begin moving or happening.
Examples
- The new law set in motion major changes in the industry.
- She set in motion the events that led to his resignation.
slow motion
1/slˈoʊ mˈoʊʃən/
fixed phrase
video shown at slower speed
A way of showing video so that the action happens more slowly than in real life.
Examples
- They replayed the goal in slow motion.
- The scene was filmed in slow motion for dramatic effect.