dynamics

American  

[dahy-nam-iks] / daɪˈnæm ɪks /

noun

1. (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.

2. (used with a plural verb) the motivating or driving forces, physical or moral, in any field.

3. (used with a plural verb) the pattern or history of growth, change, and development in any field.

4. (used with a plural verb) variation and gradation in the volume of musical sound.

5. (used with a singular verb) psychodynamics.

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dynamics British  

/ daɪˈnæmɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the branch of mechanics concerned with the forces that change or produce the motions of bodies Compare statics kinematics

2. (functioning as singular) the branch of mechanics that includes statics and kinetics See statics kinetics

3. (functioning as singular) the branch of any science concerned with forces

4. those forces that produce change in any field or system

5. music

   1. the various degrees of loudness called for in performance

   2. Also called: dynamic marks.   dynamic markings.  directions and symbols used to indicate degrees of loudness

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dynamics Scientific  

/ dī-năm′ĭks /

1. The branch of physics that deals with the effects of forces on the motions of bodies.

2. Also called kinetics

3. Compare kinematics

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Etymology

Origin of dynamics

First recorded in 1780–90; dynamic, -ics

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."

Example Sentences

The dynamics of your family will change dramatically in just a few years.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

In some older fields, the shock permanently alters reservoir dynamics, erasing some capacity forever.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

I have no solution for the fraught dynamics of social media, besides perhaps throwing one’s phone in a lake, and “Yesteryear’s” target audience isn’t likely to heed that advice.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Remaining overhangs on branded GLP-1 uptake, namely injectable supply and pricing dynamics, “were largely resolved last year,” analysts wrote in a lengthy research note on Tuesday.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Before teaching it, ask students to listen carefully to something in the song’s phrasing, repetition, rhythm, melody, timbre, lyrics, dynamics, rests, mood or affect, etc.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Related Words

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