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Seesawed: meaning, definitions and examples

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seesawed

 

[ ˈsiːsɔːd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

movement back-and-forth

'Seesawed' is the past tense of the verb 'seesaw,' which means to move up and down or back and forth alternately. It often describes the action of two sides or objects shifting positions in a rhythmic manner, resembling a seesawing motion. This term can also be used metaphorically to describe fluctuating conditions, such as changing opinions or market prices. It conveys both physical movement and abstract shifts in balance or power.

Synonyms

oscillated, swung, teetered

Examples of usage

  • The children seesawed at the park.
  • Prices seesawed throughout the day.
  • Their emotions seesawed between joy and sadness.

Translations

Translations of the word "seesawed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 balançou

🇮🇳 झूलता हुआ

🇩🇪 wippte

🇮🇩 bergoyang

🇺🇦 гойднувся

🇵🇱 huśtał się

🇯🇵 揺れた

🇫🇷 oscillait

🇪🇸 osciló

🇹🇷 salınmak

🇰🇷 흔들렸다

🇸🇦 تأرجح

🇨🇿 houpačka

🇸🇰 hojdala

🇨🇳 摇摆了

🇸🇮 gibala

🇮🇸 vaggast

🇰🇿 тербелді

🇬🇪 მოძრავდა

🇦🇿 sallandı

🇲🇽 se balanceó

Etymology

The term 'seesaw' originated in the late 16th century and is believed to be derived from a children's game involving a board balanced on a pivot, where two players would alternately rise and fall. The name is thought to echo the rhythmic nature of the game, with the sounds 'see' and 'saw' possibly imitating the action of the game itself. Over time, 'seesaw' evolved into both a noun, referring to the apparatus itself, and a verb describing the action performed. The word reflects the playful and dynamic interaction between participants, emphasizing balance and movement. In the early 20th century, the term began to extend beyond physical movement to describe fluctuations in various contexts, such as emotions, opinions, and financial markets, illustrating its versatility in the English language.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,907, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.