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Oscillate: meaning, definitions and examples

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oscillate

 

[ ˈɒsɪleɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

physics

To move or swing back and forth at a regular speed, like a pendulum or a vibrating object.

Synonyms

fluctuate, swing, vibrate

Examples of usage

  • The fan oscillates to distribute the air evenly in the room.
  • The pendulum in the clock oscillates with a precise rhythm.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To vary or change between different states, opinions, or actions.

Synonyms

alternate, fluctuate, vary

Examples of usage

  • His mood tends to oscillate between happiness and sadness.
  • The company's stock price has been oscillating for the past month.

Translations

Translations of the word "oscillate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 oscilar

🇮🇳 दोलन करना

🇩🇪 schwanken

🇮🇩 berayun

🇺🇦 коливатися

🇵🇱 oscylować

🇯🇵 揺れる (yureru)

🇫🇷 osciller

🇪🇸 oscilar

🇹🇷 sallanmak

🇰🇷 진동하다 (jindonghada)

🇸🇦 يتأرجح (yata'arraj)

🇨🇿 kmitat

🇸🇰 kmitat

🇨🇳 摆动 (bǎidòng)

🇸🇮 nihati

🇮🇸 sveiflast

🇰🇿 тербелу

🇬🇪 რხევა (rkheva)

🇦🇿 salınmaq

🇲🇽 oscilar

Etymology

The word 'oscillate' originated from the Latin word 'oscillare', which means 'to swing'. It has been used in English since the early 18th century. The concept of oscillation is fundamental in physics and engineering, describing repetitive back-and-forth motion. In everyday language, 'oscillate' is often used to describe changes or fluctuations between different states or opinions.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,945, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.