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Pulsate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pulsate

[ˈpʌlseɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

rhythmic movement

To pulsate means to expand and contract rhythmically, like a beating heart or a flashing light. It can also refer to vibrating or throbbing in a regular pattern.

Synonyms

beat, pulse, throb, vibrate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pulsate

Typically used to describe a rhythmic, steady beat or flow, often seen in scientific or descriptive contexts.

  • The LED lights pulsate in synchronization with the music
  • Her veins seemed to pulsate with excitement
throb

Typically describes an intense, often painful, beating sensation, commonly related to a medical or emotional condition.

  • His head began to throb after hours of studying
  • She could feel her heart throb in her chest
beat

Commonly refers to the rhythmic movement or sound, often used in music, heartbeats, or repetitive actions.

  • The drummer keeps a steady beat throughout the song
  • His heart began to beat faster in anticipation
pulse

Often associated with the rhythmic throbbing of the arteries or a signal in electronics.

  • She checked his pulse to ensure he was still alive
  • The laser emits pulses of light at regular intervals
vibrate

Describes quick, continuous movements or oscillations, usually of objects or sensations.

  • The phone began to vibrate on the table
  • The bridge started to vibrate due to the high winds

Examples of usage

  • The light from the lighthouse pulsated in the fog.
  • His temples pulsated with pain.
  • The music caused the crowd to pulsate with excitement.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In biology, many organisms exhibit pulsating behavior, from the heartbeat of animals to the contraction of muscles.
  • Certain types of waves, like sound waves, can also pulsate, creating vibrations that we can hear.

Art and Music

  • Musical rhythms can pulsate, with beats and melodies that create a sense of movement and energy.
  • In visual arts, certain styles use pulsating patterns to give a sense of dynamism or life to the artwork.

Cultural References

  • In dance, pulsating movements are often used to express rhythm and energy, making the performance more vibrant.
  • In literature and poetry, pulsate can describe emotions that come and go strongly, creating an image of intensity.

Pop Culture

  • Songs often use the term 'pulsate' to describe a strong beat that makes people want to dance.
  • Movies with intense action scenes frequently use pulsating soundtracks to enhance excitement and tension.

Origin of 'pulsate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'pulsare,' which means 'to push' or 'to beat.'
  • It originally described the rhythmic beating of the heart, but has grown to include other rhythmic movements.

The word 'pulsate' comes from the Latin word 'pulsare', which means 'to beat, strike, or push'. The concept of pulsation has been associated with life and energy throughout history, with references to pulsation found in various cultures and scientific studies.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,926 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.