Scrolling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

📜
Add to dictionary

scrolling

[ˈskrəʊlɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

digital technology

The action of moving text or graphics up or down on a screen in order to view different parts of them.

Synonyms

browsing, moving, navigating.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
scrolling

used when moving through digital content like web pages or documents.

  • I spent hours scrolling through my Instagram feed.
  • The website is slow when scrolling.
browsing

used when looking through various items or content without a specific goal, often online.

  • She was browsing the internet for new recipes.
  • I enjoy browsing through the new bookstore.
navigating

used when directing or finding your way through both physical spaces and digital interfaces, often indicating more intentional actions.

  • They had trouble navigating through the busy streets.
  • Navigating this website is quite easy.
moving

used in a more general sense for changing position or location, suitable for both physical and digital contexts.

  • He is moving to a new apartment next week.
  • Keep moving the slider to adjust the volume.

Examples of usage

  • Scrolling through a webpage to find relevant information.
  • Using the scroll bar to navigate through a document.
Context #2 | Verb

digital technology

To move text or graphics up or down on a screen in order to view different parts of them.

Synonyms

browse, move, navigate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
scrolling

Scrolling is typically used when referring to moving up or down through content on a digital screen, like a webpage or a document.

  • I kept scrolling through my social media feed for hours.
  • Can you scroll down to the bottom of the page?
browse

Browse is used when casually looking through items or content without a specific goal, often related to shopping or looking through information.

  • I spent the afternoon browsing through the bookstore.
  • She likes to browse the internet for new recipes.
navigate

Navigate is used when moving through or around a place, often implying some skill or direction is needed, commonly used in the context of using a map or a complex system.

  • He had to navigate through the crowded streets of the city.
  • Learning to navigate new software can be challenging.
move

Move is a general term for changing position or location, not necessarily digital. It can refer to physical movements or changes in position on a screen.

  • Please move the car out of the driveway.
  • Can you move the cursor to the next line?

Examples of usage

  • Scroll down to read the rest of the article.
  • Scroll up to see the previous messages.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • The first graphical user interface that allowed scrolling was created in the 1970s, introducing a new way to interact with computers.
  • Scrolling became popular with the advent of web browsers in the 1990s, making it essential for navigating the internet.

Psychology

  • Research shows that continuous scrolling on social media can create a sense of endless consumption, impacting users' attention spans.
  • The phenomenon known as 'doomscrolling' refers to the compulsive act of scrolling through negative news, which can heighten feelings of anxiety.

Cultural Impact

  • Scrolling has transformed how we consume media, leading to shorter attention spans and a craving for instant gratification.
  • With the rise of 'infinite scrolling' on apps, users are encouraged to continuously engage, contributing to the phenomenon of information overload.

Literature

  • In literature, scrolling can be likened to the unfolding of a narrative; much like a story reveals more as you immerse yourself in it.
  • Modern digital literature often incorporates scrolling experiences, where the layout enhances storytelling by controlling the pace of discovery.

Origin of 'scrolling'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the late 14th century, derived from the word 'scroll,' which refers to a roll of paper or parchment used for writing.
  • In ancient times, scrolls were a common way to write and keep documents, influencing the modern idea of scrolling through information.

The term 'scrolling' originated from the Old English word 'scrofulian', meaning 'to move or be drawn in a curved course'. It has evolved over the centuries to be commonly used in the context of digital technology to describe the action of moving content up or down on a screen.


See also: scroll, scroller.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,174, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.