trajectory
5 synonyms for trajectory, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The curved path an object follows as it moves through space.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
flight path
How to use trajectory
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
upward trajectory
flight trajectory
career trajectory
Etymology
From New Latin trāiectōria, coined from Latin trāiectus ("thrown across"), from trans- ("across") + iaciō ("to throw").
Full origin of trajectory →Frequently asked questions
What does “trajectory” mean?
The word “trajectory” means the curved path an object follows as it moves through space. In plain terms, the path something follows, whether physically through the air or figuratively over time.
How do you pronounce “trajectory”?
“Trajectory” is pronounced truh-JEHK-tuh-ree (/tɹəˈd͡ʒɛktəɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “trajectory” in a sentence?
Here is “trajectory” used in a sentence: “Scientists calculated the rocket's trajectory into orbit.”
What part of speech is “trajectory”?
“Trajectory” is a noun.
Where does the word “trajectory” come from?
The word “trajectory” comes from New Latin. From New Latin trāiectōria, coined from Latin trāiectus ("thrown across"), from trans- ("across") + iaciō ("to throw").
Is “trajectory” a common word?
“Trajectory” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “trajectory” have?
“Trajectory” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the curved path an object follows as it moves through space.
What is the difference between trajectory and path?
A trajectory specifically refers to the curved path an object follows as it moves through space, often implying the influence of forces like gravity. A path is a more general term for any route taken, whether curved, straight, or irregular.
How is trajectory used figuratively?
Figuratively, trajectory refers to the general direction or course something takes over time, such as a person's career trajectory or the trajectory of a situation, describing its overall progression rather than a physical path.
In what fields is trajectory a technical term?
Trajectory is a technical term commonly used in physics, ballistics, and aerospace to describe the precise curved path of a moving object, such as a projectile or spacecraft.
