energy

Meaning

1. (countable, uncountable) The impetus behind all motion and all activity.
2. (countable, uncountable) The capacity to do work.
3. (countable, uncountable) A quantity that denotes the ability to do work and is measured in a unit dimensioned in mass × distance²/time² (ML²/T²) or the equivalent.
4. (countable, uncountable) An intangible, modifiable force (usually characterized as either 'positive' or 'negative') believed in some New Age religions to emanate from a person, place or thing and which is (or can be) preserved and transferred in human interactions; shared mood or group habit.
5. (countable, in-plural, often, uncountable) The external actions and influences resulting from an entity’s internal nature (ousia) and by which it is made manifest, as opposed to that internal nature itself; the aspect of an entity that can affect the wider world and be apprehended by other beings.
6. (countable, uncountable) A measure of how many actions a player or unit can take; in the fantasy genre often called magic points or mana.
7. (Internet, countable, uncountable) An atmosphere, aura, or vibe.

Synonyms

power

strength

vigor

force

vigour

vitality

might

spirit

liveliness

perseverance

effort

vim

stamina

activity

capacity

ability

courage

animation

push

influence

zeal

enthusiasm

drive

zest

zip

patience

potency

quickness

vivacity

willpower

forcefulness

momentum

ardour

eagerness

ardor

verve

speed

snap

prowess

soul

spring

exuberance

exertion

pep

persistence

course

control

muscularity

endeavour

agility

Translations

énergie

Energie

energía

energia

energia

vigueur

enerji

energia

ενέργεια

energie

Vitalität

force

vitalité

erke

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈɛn.ə.d͡ʒi/

Etymology

From Middle French énergie, from Late Latin energia, from Ancient Greek ἐνέργεια (enérgeia, “activity”), from ἐνεργός (energós, “active”), from ἐν (en, “in”) + ἔργον (érgon, “work”). The sense in physics was coined by English polymath Thomas Young in 1802 in his lectures on Natural Philosophy.