Swooping: meaning, definitions and examples

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swooping

 

[ ˈswuːpɪŋ ]

Verb / Adjective
Context #1 | Verb

movement style

Swooping refers to the action of descending rapidly in a graceful manner, often associated with birds or aircraft. It suggests a sudden and powerful movement downwards, typically in pursuit of something.

Synonyms

descend, dive, plunge, swoop

Examples of usage

  • The eagle was swooping down to catch its prey.
  • The plane was swooping low over the runway.
  • She watched as the bat swooped through the air.
  • The hawk swooped in for a quick strike.
Context #2 | Adjective

descriptive

Describing a motion that is characterized by a graceful or sweeping descent. It can also refer to the arched shape made by something that swoops.

Synonyms

arcing, curved, flowing

Examples of usage

  • The swooping motion of the kite in the breeze was mesmerizing.
  • He made a swooping gesture with his arm.
  • The swooping arches of the bridge gave it an elegant look.

Translations

Translations of the word "swooping" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mergulhando

🇮🇳 झपट्टा मारना

🇩🇪 stürzen

🇮🇩 menukik

🇺🇦 падіння

🇵🇱 nurkowanie

🇯🇵 急降下する

🇫🇷 plongée

🇪🇸 zambullida

🇹🇷 dalış

🇰🇷 급강하

🇸🇦 انقضاض

🇨🇿 sestupující

🇸🇰 klesajúci

🇨🇳 俯冲

🇸🇮 padajoče

🇮🇸 dýfa

🇰🇿 құлау

🇬🇪 ნაკადი

🇦🇿 saldırma

🇲🇽 buceo

Word origin

The term 'swoop' has its origins in the late Middle English term 'swope', which is thought to come from the Old Norse word 'svopa', meaning to sweep or to move swiftly. It has evolved to capture not just the physical movement associated with birds of prey, but also a sense of elegance and fluidity in motion. Over the centuries, 'swoop' has been adopted in various contexts, from aviation terminology to creative movements in art and dance. Its figurative uses have also emerged, as in the context of sudden actions or decisions, emphasizing the swift nature of the 'swooping' action.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,868, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.