im
pe
tus
Plural
impetuses
1
the force that causes something to move or to keep moving
- The strong winds provided the impetus for the sailboat to glide across the water at high speed.
- The discovery of new resources provided the impetus for the rapid expansion of the company.
- The new law will provide the impetus needed to reduce carbon emissions nationwide.
- His excitement gave the team the impetus to work harder and finish the project ahead of schedule.
- Her passionate speech served as the impetus for a wave of change within the community.
2
a forceful turn or spin in dance, often used in partner dances like waltz and foxtrot
An impetus is a movement or action that provides a driving force or momentum, often used to initiate a turn or transition. It typically involves a dynamic, forceful motion that propels the dancer into the next movement or direction. For example, in ballroom dancing, an impetus might be used to lead into a spin or to change the dancer's direction with a strong, controlled push. An impetus is crucial for creating smooth, energetic transitions and maintaining the flow of the dance.