Langimage
English

inertness

|in-ert-ness|

C1

🇺🇸

/ɪˈnɜːrtnəs/

🇬🇧

/ɪˈnɜːtnəs/

(inert)

lack of movement

Base FormPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleComparativeSuperlativeNounNounNounAdverb
inertinertingsinertsinertedinertedinertingmore inertmost inertinertiainertnessinertinginertly
Etymology
Etymology Information

'inert' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'iners,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'ars' meant 'skill.'

Historical Evolution

'iners' transformed into the French word 'inerte,' and eventually became the modern English word 'inert' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'without skill or art,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'lacking the ability to move or act.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the quality of being inactive or lacking the ability to move.

The inertness of the gas makes it safe to use in various applications.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35