Jostle: meaning, definitions and examples

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jostle

[ˈdʒɒs(ə)l ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in a crowded place

Push, elbow, or bump against (someone) roughly, typically in a crowd.

Synonyms

elbow, push, shove.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
jostle	Usually refers to a situation where people are bumping into one another in a crowd, often by accident. I had to jostle my way through the crowded market People jostled each other to get a better view of the parade
push	General term for applying force to move something or someone away, can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts. She pushed the door open The kids were pushing each other in the playground
shove	Implies a more forceful and often rough movement, usually with a negative connotation. He shoved me aside to get through the door The angry fan shoved his way to the front
elbow	Specifically describes using one's elbows to make space or move through a crowd, often with some physical effort, yet not necessarily aggressive. He elbowed his way to the front of the concert I had to elbow through the crowd at the bus station

Examples of usage

He was jostled by the crowd as he made his way through the train station.
She jostled her way to the front of the line.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in a competitive situation

Compete with others for attention or advantage.

Synonyms

competition, contest, struggle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
jostle	Jostle is often used when describing physical pushing or shoving in a crowded area. It can also describe people competing aggressively for an opportunity. This word can have a slightly negative connotation. The passengers had to jostle each other to get onto the crowded train. Reporters jostled for position in front of the celebrity.
competition	Competition is used to describe a situation where individuals or groups are striving to achieve something that not everyone can have. It is a neutral term and can apply to sports, business, academics, and many other areas. The competition for the top prize was intense. She entered a baking competition and won first place.
struggle	Struggle is used to describe a prolonged and difficult effort to achieve something or deal with a problem. It often implies hardship and can have a negative connotation. She had to struggle to overcome many obstacles in her career. The team is in a struggle to maintain their position in the league.
contest	Contest is used to describe an event where individuals or teams compete against each other to win something. This term is common in sports, games, and organized events, and it has a neutral or positive connotation. The spelling bee is a popular contest among school children. They hosted a photography contest on social media.

Examples of usage

There was a jostle among the job applicants to impress the interviewer.
The jostle for power within the company was intense.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'jostle' comes from the Middle English word 'jostlen', meaning to shake or push.
It has roots in the Latin word 'juxtare', which means to place next to or to join.

Social Dynamics

In crowded places, people often jostle each other as they try to move or make way, which can create a lively atmosphere.
The act of jostling can indicate competition or playfulness, often seen in sports where players reposition themselves quickly.

Literature

Jostling is often used as a metaphor in literature to describe characters who are vying for attention or status.
In many stories, scenes of jostling represent the chaos of life and the struggle for personal space.

Cultural Context

In some cultures, jostling might be seen as rude, while in others, it’s simply a part of everyday interaction, as in bustling markets or festivals.
The context of jostling can vary in significance – from playful shoving among friends to aggressive encounters in a busy city.

Psychology

Jostling can trigger various emotional responses; for instance, unexpected contact in a crowd may lead to discomfort or surprise.
In social psychology, jostling in crowded settings can lead to decreased personal space awareness, affecting how people interact.

Translations

Translations of the word "jostle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 empurrar

🇮🇳 धक्का देना

🇩🇪 drängen

🇮🇩 dorong

🇺🇦 штовхати

🇵🇱 przepychać się

🇯🇵 押し合う (おしあう)

🇫🇷 bousculer

🇪🇸 empujar

🇹🇷 itmek

🇰🇷 밀다

🇸🇦 يدفع

🇨🇿 strkat

🇸🇰 tlačiť

🇨🇳 推挤 (tuī jǐ)

🇸🇮 rinjenje

🇮🇸 ýta

🇰🇿 итеруден

🇬🇪 ბიძგება

🇦🇿 itələmək

🇲🇽 empujar

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,975, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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29977 reactivate
29978 faggot
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