Jostle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฅ
jostle
[หdสษs(ษ)l ]
Definitions
in a crowded place
Push, elbow, or bump against (someone) roughly, typically in a crowd.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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jostle |
Usually refers to a situation where people are bumping into one another in a crowd, often by accident.
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push |
General term for applying force to move something or someone away, can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.
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shove |
Implies a more forceful and often rough movement, usually with a negative connotation.
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elbow |
Specifically describes using one's elbows to make space or move through a crowd, often with some physical effort, yet not necessarily aggressive.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Examples of usage
- There was a jostle among the job applicants to impress the interviewer.
- The jostle for power within the company was intense.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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, itโs simply a part of everyday interaction, as in bustling markets or festivals.
- The context of jostling can vary in significance โ 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.
Origin of 'jostle'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'jostle' originated from Middle English in the late 15th century, derived from the Old French word 'joster' meaning 'to joust'. Originally used in the context of physical competition or combat, it evolved to also describe the act of pushing or competing for advantage in crowded or competitive situations.
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.
- ...
- 29972 prowled
- 29973 megalithic
- 29974 brazenly
- 29975 jostle
- 29976 upbraided
- 29977 reactivate
- 29978 faggot
- ...