Impetus

noun (countable and uncountable)

/ˈɪm.pɪ.təs/

A driving force or stimulus that causes a process, movement, or activity to begin, gather momentum, or become more vigorous. Commonly used as the motivating cause that propels an effort forward (e.g., "the report gave fresh impetus to reform").

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

The Goods and Services Tax, for all its early frictions, gave fresh impetus to the project of fiscal federalism by compelling the Centre and the States to negotiate a common indirect-tax architecture through the GST Council.

Synonyms

stimulusimpulsemomentumspurdriveincentive

Antonyms

hindranceimpedimentdeterrentobstruction

🌱 Word Family

impetuous (adj), impetuously (adv), impetuosity (n), impetuousness (n)

🔡 Root

Latin impetus = assault, rapid motion; impetere = to attack; in- = upon + petere = to aim for, rush at

📜 Etymology

From Latin impetus "an assault, attack, rapid motion, impulse, force," from impetere "to attack," from assimilated form of in- "into, upon" + petere "to aim for, rush at, seek." Entered English in the mid-17th century.

🧠 Memory Hook

Think "IMPET-us" → an "impetuous" person rushes forward; the shared Latin root petere ("to rush at") gives an IMPETUS its forward push — the thing that makes you rush ahead.

📝 Seen in UPSC Question Papers

Prelims 2015 — Disaster Management
Mains 2020 · GS4 · 20 marks — Environmental Ethics
Mains 2014 · GS3 · 12.5 marks — Security
Mains 2013 · GS2 · 10 marks — Social Justice
Mains 2013 · GS3 · 10 marks — Security

Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Impetus” — proof this word earns its place on your list.

💰 Indian Economy 📖 Seen in: Indian Economy — Growth, Planning & De...

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