dynamics
Americannoun
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(used with a singular verb) the branch of mechanics that deals with the motion and equilibrium of systems under the action of forces, usually from outside the system.
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(used with a plural verb) the motivating or driving forces, physical or moral, in any field.
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(used with a plural verb) the pattern or history of growth, change, and development in any field.
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(used with a plural verb) variation and gradation in the volume of musical sound.
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(used with a singular verb) psychodynamics.
noun
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(functioning as singular) the branch of mechanics concerned with the forces that change or produce the motions of bodies Compare statics kinematics
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(functioning as singular) the branch of mechanics that includes statics and kinetics See statics kinetics
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(functioning as singular) the branch of any science concerned with forces
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those forces that produce change in any field or system
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music
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the various degrees of loudness called for in performance
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Also called: dynamic marks, dynamic markings. directions and symbols used to indicate degrees of loudness
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The branch of physics that deals with the effects of forces on the motions of bodies.
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Also called kinetics
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Compare kinematics
Etymology
Origin of dynamics
Explanation
Dynamics refers to the branch of mechanics that deals with the movement of objects and the forces that drive that movement. If you're taking a physics class, you will likely study dynamics. Dynamics has its origins in the Greek word dynamis, "force, power." In physics, dynamics is the study of bodies in motion and changes in that motion, and that idea can be applied to other areas as well. For example, we refer to "group dynamics" as the way people interact and work together. George W. Bush once observed, "Globalization has altered the dynamics in the White House, as well as between the White House and the Treasury."
Vocabulary lists containing dynamics
Force and Motion (Mechanics) - Middle School
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Mechanical Engineering
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Engineering - Middle School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Adam Lazzara, the frontman of Taking Back Sunday, has a theory that shifts in family dynamics may have helped younger listeners become more comfortable embracing older bands—and vice versa.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 3, 2026
Sometimes there are late shifts that can alter the dynamics of a race.
From BBC ● Nov. 2, 2026
However, the dynamics of AI-first discovery are still uncertain.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 31, 2026
The company delivered a negative surprise in the third quarter as continued China headwinds weighed on group margins, while pricing dynamics were poor and input costs increased, according to Citi.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2026
She manages to both gently mock and support her sister at the same time—playing it in a way that would ring true to anyone familiar with sibling dynamics.
From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
