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traction

Traction (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

noun

IPA:

/ˈtræk ʃən/

What does traction mean?

The act or process of gaining grip, adhesion, or support.
"The startup gained traction in the market after securing several key partnerships."

Detailed Meaning of Traction

It represents the force that enables an object or vehicle to move forward or maintain stability on a surface. Traction is crucial in various contexts, from transportation and engineering to medical and business fields. In the realm of transportation, it is the ability of a vehicle's wheels or tires to grip the road or track, allowing it to accelerate, decelerate, or navigate smoothly. In medicine, traction is a therapeutic technique that applies a pulling force to bones, muscles, or joints to alleviate pain, align fractures, or correct deformities. In the business world, traction denotes the progress, momentum, or market acceptance gained by a startup or new venture. It signifies the measurable achievements and growth that attract investors, customers, or strategic partnerships. Overall, traction encompasses the fundamental concept of gaining a firm grip or foothold, whether physical, therapeutic, or entrepreneurial, to facilitate movement, stability, and progress.

Example Sentences for Traction

1. The car's tires lost traction on the icy road, causing it to skid.
2. The doctor applied traction to the patient's broken leg to align the bones.
3. The hiker used special shoes with extra traction to navigate the steep mountain trails.
4. The company's new advertising campaign helped them gain traction with a wider audience.
5. The construction worker wore boots with deep treads for better traction on the slippery surface.
6. The physical therapist used a traction machine to alleviate the patient's back pain.

Origin and Etymology of Traction

The noun 'traction' draws its etymology from the Latin word 'tractio,' which is derived from the verb 'trahere,' meaning 'to pull' or 'to drag.' 'Traction' refers to the act or process of gaining grip, adhesion, or support, and its roots in 'tractio' reflect its historical association with pulling or dragging forces. It embodies the idea of obtaining a firm hold or grip, whether in the context of a vehicle's tires on the road or the adhesion of an object to a surface, allowing for smooth and controlled movement or support.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun traction:

grip

slip

slide

skid

Try Again!

Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Traction

1. The athlete's shoes had excellent traction, allowing them to sprint on the track with confidence.
2. The entrepreneur's innovative idea quickly gained traction and attracted investors.
3. The tractor's heavy-duty tires provided ample traction to plow through the muddy field.
4. The social media post started to gain traction, receiving likes and shares from users worldwide.
5. The ski resort installed new snow tires on their shuttle buses for improved traction during winter.
6. The car's tires struggled for traction on the icy road.
7. Her idea gained traction among the team members quickly.
8. The athlete's shoes provided excellent traction on the track.
9. The company's new product is gaining traction in the market.
10. He couldn't get any traction with his slippery shoes.
11. The hikers needed special boots for better traction.
12. The business idea failed to gain traction with investors.
13. The snow tires improved the car's traction on the snowy road.
14. The political campaign struggled to gain traction.
15. The climbers used spikes for better traction on the mountain.
16. The mud made it difficult for the tractor to get traction.
17. The CEO's vision gained traction within the organization.
18. The project's success depended on gaining traction early.
19. The startup gained traction through clever marketing.
20. The athlete's cleats provided excellent field traction.
21. The wheel's rubber tread ensures good traction.
22. The team's effort to improve safety gained traction.
23. The policy change is slowly gaining traction.
24. The new shoes offered superior traction on wet surfaces.
25. The idea needed more traction to become a reality.