motionless

Everyday

Not moving at all; completely still. tree →

In the lessons

In science it describes something at rest, with no motion, such as a ball before it is kicked. In stories it often builds tension: a person or animal stays motionless to hide or because it is frightened or hurt. In safety, a motionless person may need help. Phrases: lie motionless, stand motionless, remain motionless.

Examples

• The cat sat motionless, watching the mouse hole. tree →
• The lake was motionless on the windless morning. tree →
• She stood motionless so the deer would not run away. tree →
• A ball lying motionless on the grass has no speed. tree →
• The man lay motionless on the path, so we called for help. tree →
• The lizard stayed motionless on the warm rock. tree →
• During the game of statues everyone must be motionless when the music stops. tree →
• He stood motionless, one hand to his ear. tree →

Note

Made of motion + -less (without). Same meaning as still or stationary. In maths, a motionless object has a speed of 0 and covers 0 distance in any amount of time.