energy

[ en-er-jee ]

noun

, plural en·er·gies.

1. the capacity for vigorous activity; available power:

   I eat chocolate to get quick energy.

   Synonyms: potency, force, vigor

2. an adequate or abundant amount of such power:

   I seem to have no energy these days.

3. Often energies. a feeling of tension caused or seeming to be caused by an excess of such power:

   to work off one's energies at tennis.

4. an exertion of such power:

   She plays tennis with great energy.

5. the habit of vigorous activity; vigor as a characteristic:

   Foreigners both admire and laugh at American energy.

   Synonyms: push, zeal

6. the ability to act, lead others, effect, etc., forcefully.
7. forcefulness of expression:

   a writing style abounding with energy.

8. Physics. the capacity to do work; the property of a system that diminishes when the system does work on any other system, by an amount equal to the work so done; potential energy. : E
9. any source of usable power, as fossil fuel, electricity, or solar radiation.

energy

/ ˈɛnədʒɪ /

noun

1. intensity or vitality of action or expression; forcefulness
2. capacity or tendency for intense activity; vigour
3. vigorous or intense action; exertion
4. physics
   1. the capacity of a body or system to do work
   2. a measure of this capacity, expressed as the work that it does in changing to some specified reference state. It is measured in joules (SI units) E
5. a source of power See also kinetic energy potential energy

energy

/ ĕn′ər-jē /

1. The capacity or power to do work, such as the capacity to move an object (of a given mass) by the application of force. Energy can exist in a variety of forms, such as electrical, mechanical, chemical, thermal, or nuclear, and can be transformed from one form to another. It is measured by the amount of work done, usually in joules or watts.
2. See also conservation of energyCompare power

Other Words From

• hy·per·en·er·gy noun
• self-en·er·gy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of energy¹

First recorded in 1575–85; from Late Latin energīa, from Greek enérgeia “activity,” equivalent to energe- (stem of energeîn “to be active”; en- ², work ) + -ia -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of energy¹

C16: from Late Latin energīa, from Greek energeia activity, from energos effective, from en- ² + ergon work

Example Sentences

Shasta, which he says has “a really special energy.”

From Los Angeles Times

Now, two reports suggest an effective lower energy approach.

From Science Magazine

A different mix of fuels with enhanced properties could overcome some of the major barriers to making fusion a more practical energy source, according to a new study.

From Science Daily

The energy that is being harvested as part of this research is being generated by squeezing amino acid molecules, the building blocks of proteins that exist in the human body.

From Science Daily

Greater efficiency and fewer replacements mean more green energy with less waste.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• efficiency
• intensity
• power
• spirit
• stamina
• strength
• toughness
• vitality

More About Energy

What is energy?

Energy refers to available power or motivation to move, as in Jada found that getting enough sleep each night gave her the energy to live each day.

Energy also refers to power that is used with exertion or force, as in Monique brought energy to the team, leading them to win more games.

In physics, energy is the power or heat that is created when something moves, is burned, or is exerted. It is typically represented in two forms: potential and kinetic energy. Potential energy is power that is stored in something as it sits still or is unburned. For example, coal contains a large amount of potential energy that is released when the coal is burned. As the coal burns, that potential energy becomes kinetic energy, energy related to the particles in the system.

Energy is a common word with several other senses related to power or motivation.

Example: Darryl found out the hard way that cell phone batteries lose their energy in the cold.

Where does energy come from?

The first records of the term energy come from the late 1500s. It ultimately comes from the Greek term energeîn, meaning “to be active.” Activity can come in many forms, but almost all burn energy.

Potential and kinetic energy can be applied to humans, too. As you eat and sleep, you build up potential energy, and as you physically move, think, breathe, or perform any physical action, that energy is used kinetically. When you’re tired, you might say you’re low on energy. And when you decide to put your energies into your art, you are spending more time doing your art and, as a result, spending more of your energy on it.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to energy?

• hyperenergy (noun)
• self-energy (noun)

What are some synonyms for energy?

• electricity
• heat
• power
• spirit
• strength

What are some words that share a root or word element with energy?

• energize
• energetic
• energizer

What are some words that often get used in discussing energy?

• audit
• bar
• conversion
• drink
• efficiency

How is energy used in real life?

Energy is a common word used both in the scientific sense and in other senses, particularly those related to the power we or our devices have or don’t have.

U attract the energy u put out ..

— TRAVIS SCOTT (@trvisXX) October 2, 2018

I’m tired of all the negative energy in the world

— marshmello (@marshmello) May 31, 2018

We need to work harder & longer hours to catch up with the world. Fewer holidays, better teachers but above all sort the energy shortage.

— Reham Khan (@RehamKhan1) April 22, 2016

 

Try using energy!

Is energy used correctly in the following sentence?

When Quinn focused his energies on his school work, his grades went up.