Vacillate: meaning, definitions and examples

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vacillate

[ ˈvæsɪˌleɪt ]

^{Context #1}

in decision-making

To waver in mind or opinion; to be indecisive or irresolute; to hesitate.

Synonyms

dither, equivocate, fluctuate, hesitate, waver

Examples of usage

She vacillated between staying home and going out with her friends.
The politician vacillated on his stance regarding the new policy.

^{Context #2}

in emotions

To fluctuate or oscillate in feelings; to be uncertain or fluctuating in one's emotions.

Synonyms

fluctuate, oscillate, sway, vary, waver

Examples of usage

Her feelings for him vacillated between love and hatred.
The stock market vacillated between hope and fear.

^{Context #3}

in actions

To move back and forth; to sway or stagger in movement.

Synonyms

fluctuate, oscillate, stagger, sway, swing

Examples of usage

The branches vacillated in the wind.
The drunk man vacillated as he tried to walk straight.

Translations

Translations of the word "vacillate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vacilar

🇮🇳 डगमगाना

🇩🇪 schwanken

🇮🇩 berayun-ayun

🇺🇦 вагатися

🇵🇱 chwiać się

🇯🇵 揺れる (yureru)

🇫🇷 vaciller

🇪🇸 vacilar

🇹🇷 tereddüt etmek

🇰🇷 동요하다 (dongyo-hada)

🇸🇦 يتذبذب (yatzabzab)

🇨🇿 váhat

🇸🇰 váhať

🇨🇳 摇摆 (yáobǎi)

🇸🇮 oklevati

🇮🇸 veikja

🇰🇿 тербелу

🇬🇪 მერყეობა (merq'eoba)

🇦🇿 tərəddüd etmək

🇲🇽 vacilar

Word origin

The word 'vacillate' comes from the Latin word 'vacillare', which means 'to sway or stagger'. The English word has been used since the 16th century to describe the act of wavering or being indecisive. Over time, it has come to symbolize the idea of fluctuating or oscillating in various contexts, including decision-making, emotions, and actions.