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Swayed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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swayed

[sweษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

movement influence

The term 'swayed' refers to the act of moving back and forth or side to side gently. It can also imply exerting influence over someone or something, leading them to change their opinion or behavior. This subtle movement can be physical, as in the swaying of trees in the wind, or metaphorical, as in persuading someone to adopt a certain viewpoint. Swaying can evoke a sense of rhythm and fluidity and is often used to describe both literal and emotional shifts.

Synonyms

affect, influence, migrate, oscillate, swing.

Examples of usage

  • The branches swayed in the breeze.
  • Her speech swayed the audience's opinions.
  • He swayed gently to the music at the concert.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Cognitive biases can heavily influence how people are swayed; for instance, the bandwagon effect encourages conformity.
  • Emotional appeal in communication is a powerful tool, as people are more likely to be swayed by feelings than facts.
  • Later research indicates that repeat exposure to an idea can increase its acceptance, swaying people's views over time.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of being swayed is often depicted in movies and songs, showcasing how characters change their beliefs through love or persuasion.
  • A popular example is the song 'Sway', famously covered by artists like Dean Martin, where the lyrics express romantic persuasion.
  • Reality TV often showcases contestants being swayed in their decisions based on alliances or emotional manipulation.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters are often swayed by manipulation, showcasing the complexity of human emotions and decisions.
  • Many modern novels explore themes of persuasion, such as 'The Great Gatsby', where idealism and materialism sway the characters' lives.
  • Fables and moral stories frequently highlight how cunning words can sway individuals and lead to important lessons.

Politics

  • Political campaigns often aim to sway public opinion through advertisements, rallies, and speeches.
  • Rhetoric studies reveal that using relatable stories can sway voters more effectively than statistics alone.
  • Campaign strategies often involve identifying key demographics that can be swayed to support a candidate or policy.

Origin of 'swayed'

Main points about word origin

  • Originating from the Old English word 'swegan', which means 'to sway' or 'to wave', reflecting movement.
  • The term has been used in English since the 15th century, often describing physical motion, like trees in the wind.
  • Related to the Middle Dutch word 'swijgen', indicating a gentle or rhythmic motion.

The word 'swayed' is derived from the Middle English word 'swaien,' which means to swing or sway. This, in turn, comes from an earlier Old English term 'swegan,' meaning to move or sound, related to the Proto-Germanic 'swฤซgwan,' which refers to having movement or motion. Over centuries, the meaning of 'sway' has evolved, retaining the connotation of side-to-side movement while also incorporating the notion of influence. The dual significance of both physical and metaphorical swaying has enriched its usage in English literature and conversation, making it a versatile term that can describe everything from nature's rhythms to human interactions.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,284, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.