EnglishClub ESL Forums

Hello,
I would like to know the real difference between 'upward trajectory' and 'skyrocketing' terms. Skyrocketing behavior looks like a curved path with an exponential growth as illustrated below;
http://houstonagentmagazine.com/wp-cont ... estate.jpg

and dictionary defines 'trajectory' as :
"the high curving line in which an object such as a missile moves through the air" - MacMillan Dictionary
"the curved path that an object follows after it has been thrown or fired into the air" - Oxford and Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

http://www.air-and-space.com/20060614%2 ... ch%20l.jpg

Accordingly, it seems 'upward trajectory' does not have an exponential pattern (growth rate increasing every one step at a time) and therefore the curved path reaches an apex and then follows a downward trajectory.

Please distinguish these terms: 'skyrocketing', 'upward trajectory', and 'downward trajectory'.
Sorry If i made wrong assumptions; you may correct me.
Best,

"trajectory" is a noun, and refers to the *path* or something such as a missile. The path may be upward or downward or no doubt otherwise.

"skyrocketing" is an adjective.

You could conceivably have a "skyrocketing trajectory" but it makes no sense to compare "trajectory" and "skyrocketing" - they are not the same parts of speech.

To be more specific, does a trajectory path necessarily have a 'turning point' at which the path slope changes from upward to downward direction like a ballistic missile? If so, do you think that 'upward trajectory' in the following example should be replaced with 'skyrocketing direction'; because nobody wants to make a decision for improving his/her life/career in a way that at some point in time (the turning point) requires following a downward trajectory after experiencing a successful upward trajectory. Instead the audience would like to take a decision to turn his life/career path into a skyrocketing direction - a non-stop progress.

"You can put your life and career into an upward trajectory by making the decision, today."
- The example above taken from an English native author in the subject of self-help, motivation, and personal development.

DavidDe wrote:To be more specific, does a trajectory path necessarily...

No need to say "trajectory path" since a trajectory IS a path.

I follow your reasoning but given that the author has written "upward trajectory" (not just "trajectory") it seems like splitting hairs.

Actually, life path is kind of trajectory. In fact, one borns as a little baby, then they grow up to become an adult following upward trajectory; in their forteens, especially men, they have everything in life; eventually they get old, following downward trajectory. What I mean the author is telling the truth; that's of his honest. However, as a first-class motivational speaker and author he should know the purpose is motivating the audience and thus words have to be chosen carefully.