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Undulate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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undulate

[หˆสŒndjสŠleษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

movement

To move in a smooth, wavelike motion. To have a rising and falling motion.

Synonyms

ripple, sway, wave.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
undulate

Used to describe smooth, wave-like motion. Often used in a more formal or scientific context, like describing the motion of water or a physical object.

  • The wheat fields undulate gently in the breeze.
  • The snake undulates as it moves across the ground.
ripple

Typically used to describe small waves or a gentle motion on the surface of water. It can also describe effects or feelings that spread outwards in gradually diminishing strength.

  • The stone caused ripples in the pond.
  • A ripple of laughter spread through the audience.
wave

Can describe both the physical undulating motion found in water or air, as well as a gesture of greeting or farewell. It is versatile and less formal.

  • The ocean waves crashed against the shore.
  • She waved goodbye to her friends.
sway

Used to describe a side-to-side motion, often in a gentle or rhythmic way. It's commonly used for objects or people in the wind, as well as in dance or movement.

  • The trees sway in the wind.
  • The dancer's hips sway to the music.

Examples of usage

  • The flag undulated in the wind.
  • The snake undulated across the ground.
  • The dancer's body undulated gracefully.
Context #2 | Verb

sound

To have a sound that rises and falls in pitch or volume.

Synonyms

fluctuate, modulate, oscillate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
undulate

Best used when describing smooth, wave-like motion or appearance, often associated with natural elements like water or landscapes.

  • The hills undulate gently in the distance.
  • The flag undulated in the breeze.
fluctuate

Appropriate for describing variations, especially when referring to numbers, levels, or conditions. It often implies irregularity or instability.

  • The stock market fluctuates daily.
  • His mood tends to fluctuate rapidly.
oscillate

Commonly used to describe back-and-forth motion or swings, often in a mechanical or physical sense, but can also refer to fluctuations in opinions or conditions.

  • The fan oscillates to cool the entire room.
  • Her decisions oscillate between caution and bravery.
modulate

Used when talking about adjusting or altering something, especially in terms of voice, sound, frequency, or signal levels.

  • He modulated his voice to sound more confident.
  • The radio signal needs to be modulated properly.

Examples of usage

  • The music undulated through the room.
  • Her voice undulated with emotion.
Context #3 | Noun

physics

A wave-like motion or pattern.

Synonyms

ripple, swell, wave.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
undulate

Used when describing smooth, wavy movements or shapes, often in a scientific or poetic context.

  • The snake undulated across the desert sand
  • Her voice undulated with emotion
wave

Used to describe a larger, more pronounced undulation, usually referring to water or a signal made with the hand. Can also be used metaphorically.

  • The surfers waited for the next big wave
  • She waved to her friend from across the street
ripple

Used for small, gentle waves or movements, often caused by a disturbance in a liquid surface or spreading effects in other contexts.

  • She threw a stone into the pond and watched the ripples spread
  • His comments sent ripples through the community
swell

Used to describe a gradual increase in size or volume, often related to water or sound. Can also imply a sense of growing emotion or pride.

  • The ocean began to swell as the storm approached
  • He felt a swell of pride as he accepted the award

Examples of usage

  • The undulate of the water's surface.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, undulation can describe waves such as sound waves and water waves, crucial for understanding how energy moves.
  • Seismic waves during an earthquake undulate through the ground, leading to the shaking experienced during these events.
  • The concept also appears in light waves, where undulation helps explain phenomena like interference and diffraction.

Literature

  • Poets often use undulating imagery to describe nature, creating a sense of rhythm and motion that reflects life's ebb and flow.
  • In many novels, characters may experience emotional ups and downs, which can be described as an undulating journey.
  • Classic literature often describes the sea as undulating, evoking both beauty and danger in its unpredictable movements.

Arts

  • In visual art, undulation can refer to patterns or forms that move fluidly, captivating viewers with their dynamic qualities.
  • Dance forms like ballet often feature undulating movements that convey grace and emotion, adding depth to the performance.
  • Architectural designs may incorporate undulating lines to create buildings that evoke a sense of motion and life.

Nature

  • In biology, many organisms, such as snakes and certain fish, undulate their bodies to swim effectively through water.
  • Plants can exhibit undulation in their growth patterns, swaying gently in the wind, which helps them survive harsh conditions.
  • The surface of the ocean undulates, creating waves that are both aesthetically beautiful and crucial for marine ecosystems.

Origin of 'undulate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'undulatus,' which means 'to rise and fall like waves.'
  • It was first used in English around the late 16th century.
  • The root 'unda' in Latin translates to 'wave,' emphasizing the physical motion associated with the word.

The word 'undulate' comes from the Latin word 'undula' which means 'a small wave'. It first appeared in English in the early 17th century. The concept of undulating motion is often associated with the natural world, such as waves in the ocean or the movement of a snake.

See also: undulating, undulatingly, undulation.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,341, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.