noun
impetus
IM-pih-tuhs/ˈɪmpɪtəs/
A force that prompts action or progress.
The rolling ball provides the impetus that starts the dominoes falling.
Etymology
“Rush upon” supplied the image of an attack or rapid movement. From the force with which something moves, impetus came to mean an influence that sets events moving or carries them forward.
In context
for approving our grant that allows us to participate in this tree planting today and certainly thanks to tony like everybody has said whose passion for the project provided the impetus for all of us to be involved today
More examples
- Public concern provides the impetus for stricter safety rules.
- Without a clear goal, the campaign loses its impetus.
- Her discovery adds impetus to the search for a cure.
Forms
impetus · impetuses