gravitate

American  

[grav-i-teyt] / ˈgræv ɪˌteɪt /

verb (used without object)

gravitated, gravitating

1. to move or tend to move under the influence of gravitational force.

2. to tend toward the lowest level; sink; fall.

3. to have a natural tendency or be strongly attracted (usually followed by to ortoward ).

   Musicians gravitate toward one another.

   Synonyms:

   move, lean, tend, incline

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gravitate British  

/ ˈɡrævɪˌteɪt /

verb

1. physics to move under the influence of gravity

2. to be influenced or drawn, as by strong impulses

3. to sink or settle

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Other Word Forms

• gravitater noun
• supergravitate verb (used without object)
• ungravitating adjective

Etymology

Origin of gravitate

First recorded in 1635–45; from New Latin gravitātus (past participle of gravitāre “to obey the laws of gravitation,” coined by Sir Isaac Newton ); gravity, -ate ¹

Example Sentences

A generation of new investors have gravitated toward slick brokerage apps that make it easy and inexpensive to trade stocks, options and cryptocurrencies.

From The Wall Street Journal

The study found that among Gen Z, 40% of respondents said they gravitated to older shows because they are comforting and nostalgic.

From Los Angeles Times

Ford said earlier this month that customers have been gravitating toward cheaper base packages for its most popular models.

From The Wall Street Journal

Interest rates often lead moves in the global currency market, as investors tend to gravitate toward wherever their capital can earn the highest returns.

From MarketWatch

She has since gravitated towards friends with whom she feels there is mutual respect, even if they disagree.

From BBC

Related Words

• drift
• incline
• lean
• tend