Oscillate (Verb)
Meaning 1
Move or swing from side to side regularly; "the needle on the meter was oscillating".
Classification
Verbs of walking, flying, swimming.
Examples
- The metronome's pendulum oscillated in a slow and steady rhythm to guide the musicians.
- As the child sat on the swing, her body began to oscillate back and forth in a wide arc.
- The fan blades oscillated rapidly, creating a gentle breeze in the warm room.
- Her feelings about the situation seemed to oscillate constantly between excitement and anxiety.
- The metal rod was made to oscillate at a specific frequency to test the machine's resonance.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
Be undecided about something; waver between conflicting positions or courses of action; "He oscillates between accepting the new position and retirement".
Classification
Verbs of being, having, spatial relations.
Examples
- She oscillates between taking a year off to travel and continuing her education.
- He struggles to make a decision, constantly oscillating between his head and his heart.
- The company oscillates between investing in new technology and reducing costs.
- After the break-up, she oscillated between feeling relieved and being overwhelmed with grief.
- The politician oscillates between appeasing his party's base and trying to appeal to a broader audience.