Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

relativity

noun

/ˌrɛləˈtɪvɪti/

Definition

Relativity is a scientific theory that explains how time and space are interconnected and how they can be affected by the presence of mass and energy.

Examples

Einstein’s theory of relativity changed our understanding of the universe.
The effects of relativity are observable in high-speed particle collisions.
Understanding the principles of relativity can be challenging for many students.

Meaning

The concept that the laws of physics are the same for all observers, regardless of their relative motion, and that the observations of time and space can vary depending on the observer’s speed and position.