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Swinging Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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swinging

[ˈswɪŋɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

playground activity

Swinging is a popular playground activity where a person sits on a suspended seat and moves back and forth.

Synonyms

pendulum, rock, sway.

Examples of usage

  • Children love to spend hours swinging on the playground swings.
  • The swinging motion can be both relaxing and exciting for kids.
Context #2 | Verb

movement

Swinging refers to the movement of something back and forth or from side to side.

Synonyms

oscillate, rock, sway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
swinging

Commonly used to describe a back-and-forth motion, often with a rhythmic or smooth flow. Suitable for objects such as swings, doors, or even moods.

  • The children were happily swinging on the playground swings.
  • She walked into the room, her purse swinging at her side.
sway

Suggests a slower, smoother movement from side to side, often influenced by external forces like wind or water. Can also imply a change in opinions or decisions.

  • The trees began to sway as the storm approached.
  • He was easily swayed by her persuasive arguments.
oscillate

Describes a repetitive back-and-forth or up-and-down movement, typically with a regular rhythm. Often used in scientific, mechanical, or formal contexts.

  • The fan's blades oscillate to circulate air throughout the room.
  • The scientist observed the pendulum oscillate in a predictable manner.
rock

Implies a gentle to moderate motion back and forth or side to side. Frequently used for comforting gestures or movements in relaxed settings.

  • She gently rocked the baby to sleep in her arms.
  • The boat began to rock as the wind picked up.

Examples of usage

  • The chandelier was swinging gently in the breeze.
  • She was swinging her arms as she walked down the street.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Swing dancing emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, reflecting the lively musical styles of the time.
  • In American culture, swinging on swings is often associated with childhood play and outdoor fun.
  • The 'swing' is also a common metaphor in music, referring to a rhythmic feel in jazz and blues.

Physics

  • Swinging is a demonstration of simple harmonic motion, where a pendulum oscillates due to gravity.
  • The frequency of a swing depends on its length; longer swings take more time to complete their arcs.
  • Energy in swinging is transferred between kinetic energy (moving) and potential energy (at height).

Psychology

  • Swinging can promote relaxation and stress relief, helping to calm the mind during recreational activities.
  • Studies show that rhythmic motions, like swinging, can aid in sensory integration for children with autism.
  • Engaging in swinging activities has been linked to improved motor skills and coordination in young children.

Sports

  • Swinging is a central action in sports like golf and baseball, where follow-through is crucial.
  • In gymnastics, swings are part of many routines to showcase strength and grace.
  • Competitive swinging can be found in extreme sports like kite surfing, where athletes use swings to perform tricks.

Origin of 'swinging'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'swing' comes from the Old Norse word 'svinga,' meaning to move back and forth.
  • It appeared in English around the 14th century and originally described a slight but regular movement.
  • The addition of '-ing' turns the noun into a verb, indicating the action of moving in that manner.

The word 'swinging' originated from the Old English word 'swingan', meaning to sway, move back and forth. Over the years, it has evolved to represent both a physical activity on swings and a descriptive term for a particular type of movement.

See also: swing, swinger, swings.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,611 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.