dynamic

adjective

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dy·nam·ic | \ dī-ˈna-mik

Essential Meaning of dynamic

1 : always active or changing a dynamic city a dynamic relationship

2 : having or showing a lot of energy a dynamic [=enthusiastic] speaker an exciting and dynamic performance

3 technical : of or relating to energy, motion, or physical force the dynamic theory of heat dynamic and potential energy

Full Definition of dynamic

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : marked by usually continuous and productive activity or change a dynamic city

b : energetic, forceful a dynamic personality

2 or less commonly dynamical \ dī-ˈna-mi-kəl

a : of or relating to physical force or energy

b : of or relating to dynamics (see dynamics entry 1)

3 of random-access memory : requiring periodic refreshment of charge in order to retain data

dynamic

noun

plural dynamics

Definition of dynamic (Entry 2 of 2)

: a force or factor that controls or influences a process of growth, change, interaction, or activity : a dynamic force or factor a social/cultural/interpersonal dynamic … describes a world order that seems to be evolving from ideology as the principal dynamic …— Woody West Denial has always been the most devastating social and political dynamic of the AIDS epidemic …— June E. Osborn Still, one wonders, Is there a way to achieve … results without some of the extraneous nastiness, the relentless controlling dynamic?— Jack McCallum — see also dynamics entry 1

Other Words from dynamic Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About dynamic

Synonyms & Antonyms for dynamic

Synonyms: Adjective

Antonyms: Adjective

Examples of dynamic in a Sentence

Adjective … tournament blackjack is more dynamic, and more complex, than simply playing against the house. — Michael Kaplan, Cigar Aficionado, December 2002 Indeed, one of the most dynamic influences on family life and society in the last century was the extension of concepts to individual worth and human rights. — Perdita Huston, Ms., December 2001/January 2002 The new dynamic duo have little in common but a bright orange ball. — Stephen Rodrick, ESPN, 3 Apr. 2000 an exciting and dynamic performance the dynamic theory of heat Noun … the high-tech world is, at heart, a cruel, unforgiving place ruled by the merciless dynamics of the marketplace. — Michiko Kakutani, New York Times, 27 June 2002 … my memory of specific events is sketchy, but the general emotional flavor is engraved on my mind as a classic example of my family's bent dynamic. — Florence King, National Review, 15 Oct. 2001 … the Cambrian Explosion, created the evolutionary dynamic that produced most of the species that subsequently populated the earth, from insects and fish to dinosaurs and humans. — J. Madeleine Nash, Time, 20 Aug. 2001 Raisons d'état, not the dynamics of capitalism, created the American thrust for world influence. — Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., The Cycles of American History, 1986 the dynamic between a doctor and a patient Group dynamics are important to consider. The dynamics of this class are different from those of other classes. Disease was a central dynamic in the decrease in population. a study on famine and population dynamics

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective Doughty also had a difficult task on the defensive end, trying to contain North Central’s most dynamic offensive player, Joey Brown who is listed at 6-6 but very much plays like a guard. — Jack Carney, The Indianapolis Star, 7 Jan. 2022 The simulcast, made possible through a partnership between Second Stage and Assemble Stream, isn’t as dynamic as the National Theatre Live broadcasts. — Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2022 Woodyard, who committed in June, is a dynamic player when on the field. — Nick Alvarez | Nalvarez@al.com, al, 13 Dec. 2021 Baltimore has allowed the second-fewest rushing yards, though, and could contain even a backfield as dynamic as Hunt and Nick Chubb. — New York Times, 25 Nov. 2021 By relinquishing control of the full value chain, telcos could reach their full revenue potential as emerging opportunities for dynamic commerce are made possible by rapidly shifting conditions in the telecommunications market. — Marc Price, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2021 At the end of a week that saw its most dynamic player, receiver Drake London, declare for the NFL draft and several others enter the transfer portal, USC got some reassuring news along its offensive line. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2021 English, one of the top 2023 recruits in the state, is the Red Devils’ most dynamic playmaker. — Ben Thomas | Bthomas@al.com, al, 30 Nov. 2021 Lane's record, topped or not, adds relevance to the film project to tell the story of a dynamic player that many fans and current players probably know little or nothing about. — Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY, 22 Nov. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun While some wondered about the dynamic between Madden and Davis, who was demanding of his coaches, Madden maintained afterward the two worked well together. — Matt Kawahara, San Francisco Chronicle, 28 Dec. 2021 Here’s the thing about the Madeline-Sylvie dynamic: Did this have a lot of potential? — Jessica Goldstein, Vulture, 24 Dec. 2021 Sacha, how will Orlo -- a student of history -- fare in this new dynamic? — John Benson, cleveland, 18 Nov. 2021 Miller says he is enthused about the current dynamic. — Barry Wilner, Detroit Free Press, 25 Oct. 2021 Over the course of the next few months, the team will learn more about that dynamic, and whether or not Williamson can find piece under new leadership. — Morten Jensen, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2021 Prior to the season, Griese was asked about any dynamic of competition and pushed back on the idea. — Chris Bumbaca, USA TODAY, 27 Sep. 2021 Gigi recently opened up about the Hadids' family dynamic for Harper's BAZAAR's August cover story. — Quinci Legardye, Harper's BAZAAR, 12 Sep. 2021 There are great stories to be told about the dynamic between these three Alabama legends. — J.d. Crowe | Jdcrowe@al.com, al, 2 Sep. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dynamic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for dynamic

Adjective

borrowed from French dynamique or New Latin dynamicus "relating to physical force or energy," borrowed from Greek dynamikós "powerful, efficacious," from dýnamis "power, strength, capability" (i-stem derivative, with suffixal -m-, of dýnamai, dýnasthai "to be able, have the strength or capability (to do something), be equivalent to," of uncertain origin) + -ikos -ic entry 1

Note: French dynamique and New Latin dynamicus were popularized, if not introduced, by Gottfried Wilhelm leibniz. The Greek verb dýnamai appears to have been an original nasal present with the -n- infix generalized throughout the paradigm. If an Indo-European base *deu̯h₂- (or *deh₂u̯-?) "to fit together, join" is reconstructible on the basis of Tocharian B tsuwa "(it) adhered, cohered," Germanic *taujan- "to prepare, make" (see taw entry 1), then dy-n-a- may be allied; assumed is an approximate sense development "be joined" > "fit, be suitable" > "be capable."