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Jostling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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jostling

[ˈdʒɒslɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a crowded place

To jostle means to push, elbow, or bump against someone in a crowded place, typically in a rude or aggressive manner. It often involves competing for space or moving through a crowd forcefully.

Synonyms

bump, push, shove.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
jostling

Use this when talking about people moving in a crowded space where they are bumping into each other lightly.

  • The concert hall was so packed that everyone was jostling to find a good spot
push

Used when you want to describe someone applying force to move another person or object away.

  • She had to push the door hard to open it because it was stuck
shove

Implies a more forceful or aggressive push and often has a negative connotation.

  • He gave the door a shove, causing it to swing open with a loud bang
bump

Suitable for describing light, accidental contact between people or objects.

  • I accidentally bumped into him while walking down the hallway

Examples of usage

  • He was constantly jostled by the bustling crowd in the market.
  • The commuters jostled each other as they tried to board the crowded train.
  • The protesters jostled with the police during the demonstration.
Context #2 | Noun

physical contact

As a noun, jostling refers to the act of pushing and shoving in a crowded or competitive situation, often resulting in physical contact or conflict.

Synonyms

bumping, pushing, shoving.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
jostling

Often used when people are moving around in a crowded space and bumping into each other unintentionally. It can be physical or just mean competing intensely for something.

  • People were jostling for space in the crowded subway car
  • Athletes were jostling for the lead in the race
pushing

Used to describe an intentional act of applying force to move someone or something away. It has a neutral to slightly negative connotation depending on the situation.

  • He was pushing the cart down the aisle
  • The crowd started pushing forward to get closer to the stage
shoving

This word implies a more forceful or aggressive push and usually carries a negative connotation. Often used when describing rough or rude behavior.

  • The man was shoving people out of the way to get to the front
  • The kids were shoving each other while waiting in line
bumping

Refers to a light, often accidental, contact or collision. Commonly used for minor, unintentional impacts.

  • She kept bumping into people as she tried to make her way through the festival
  • He bumped his head on the low door frame

Examples of usage

  • There was a lot of jostling in the line as people tried to get to the front.
  • The jostling between the players on the field led to a heated argument.
  • The jostling for position at the starting line caused a few runners to stumble.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In packed public transport systems, jostling reflects daily urban life, where personal space often gets compromised.
  • Sporting events also involve jostling, as fans push and nudge to get a better view of the action.
  • In dance styles like hip-hop, jostling has evolved into an expressive form of movement that symbolizes energy and connection.

Psychology

  • Jostling can trigger feelings of discomfort or aggression, especially in crowded spaces, revealing our instinctual need for personal space.
  • Research shows that people react differently to jostling based on cultural backgrounds, underscoring variations in personal space norms.
  • When jostled, individuals may experience a rush of adrenaline, which can lead to increased alertness and social bonding in contexts like sports.

Social Dynamics

  • In social gatherings, jostling can be a playful interaction, signifying friendliness or competition among peers.
  • Children often jostle during play, which helps in developing social skills and understanding boundaries.
  • In crowded environments like concerts or festivals, jostling is a common behavior that can create a sense of camaraderie among attendees.

Literature

  • Jostling appears in literature as a metaphor for conflict or chaos in crowded situations, often symbolizing the struggles of life.
  • Many poets describe jostling in cities to evoke the hustle and bustle of urban existence, painting a vivid picture of communal life.
  • In novels, characters may experience jostling as a plot device to build tension or highlight relationships.

Origin of 'jostling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle French 'jostler,' meaning to push or shove.
  • It has roots in the Latin word 'juxtare,' which means to place next to or alongside.
  • Historically, it relates to interactions in busy spaces, like markets or streets, where people would naturally bump into each other.

The word 'jostling' originated from Middle English 'justilen', which meant to have close contact or collide. It has roots in Old French and Latin. Over time, it evolved to represent the physical act of pushing or bumping against someone in a crowded or competitive environment. The concept of jostling has been observed in various cultures and contexts throughout history, reflecting the universal experience of navigating crowded spaces and competing for limited resources.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,859, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.