Vacillate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vacillate

[ˈvæsɪˌleɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in decision-making

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

Synonyms

dither, equivocate, fluctuate, hesitate, waver.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
vacillate	Used when someone is unable to decide between different options or actions, often going back and forth between them. She often vacillates between wanting to move to a new city and staying where she is
hesitate	Describes pausing before saying or doing something, usually because of uncertainty or reluctance. She hesitated before answering the difficult question
waver	Indicates a lack of firmness or resolution, often suggesting weakness or indecisiveness. His commitment to the project wavered after the initial enthusiasm faded
fluctuate	Refers to changing frequently and irregularly, often used for things like prices, opinions, or physical conditions. The stock prices fluctuated wildly throughout the day
dither	Implies being indecisive in a way that suggests nervousness or confusion, often creating a negative impression. He was still dithering about whether to accept the job offer when it was too late
equivocate	Used when someone is deliberately being vague or ambiguous to avoid committing to a specific stance or decision, often seen as dishonest. The politician continued to equivocate when asked about his stance on climate change

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 | Verb}

in emotions

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

Synonyms

fluctuate, oscillate, sway, vary, waver.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
vacillate	Used when someone cannot decide between different options or opinions and keeps changing their mind. She tends to vacillate between career choices, unable to decide on a single path
fluctuate	Describes something that changes continually and irregularly, often used for quantities or conditions. The prices of stocks can fluctuate widely from day to day
oscillate	Usually refers to something that moves back and forth in a regular rhythm or pattern, like a pendulum. The fan oscillates to cool the entire room
waver	Closely related to vacillate, it suggests hesitation or being indecisive, but can also mean to become unsteady or lose strength. Her resolve didn't waver even in the face of adversity
sway	Can mean to move slowly or rhythmically from side to side, often used for objects or people, and can also refer to influencing someone's opinion. The trees sway gently in the breeze He was easily swayed by her persuasive arguments
vary	Used to indicate differences or changes, often within a range or among different instances. The menu can vary depending on the season

Examples of usage

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

^{Context #3 | Verb}

in actions

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

Synonyms

fluctuate, oscillate, stagger, sway, swing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
vacillate	This word is used when someone is unable to make a decision or is wavering between different options. She tends to vacillate when it comes to making career decisions. He vacillated between becoming a doctor or a lawyer.
sway	This word can describe a gentle back and forth motion, often caused by wind or emotion. The trees began to sway in the strong wind. She was swayed by his emotional speech.
stagger	This word describes an unsteady walk or movement, often due to weakness or alcohol. He managed to stagger to the door despite his injuries. The drunk man staggered down the street.
swing	This word refers to a wider arc-like motion, often associated with joy or play, but can also describe moods or opinions that change. The children loved to swing in the playground. Public opinion can swing dramatically from one month to the next.
fluctuate	This word is used to describe continuous changes, often in terms of prices, temperatures, or other measurable quantities. The stock market tends to fluctuate daily. Temperatures can fluctuate wildly in this region.
oscillate	This word is often used in scientific or technical contexts to describe something that moves back and forth at regular intervals, like a pendulum. The pendulum oscillates with a steady rhythm. His mood seems to oscillate between happiness and depression.

Examples of usage

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

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Vacillation can be associated with anxiety, as people often struggle to make decisions due to fear of making the wrong choice.
Research shows that excessive choice can lead to stress and can cause individuals to segunda guess their preferences.

Literature

Many literary characters embody vacillation, such as Hamlet, who is known for his indecision regarding avenging his father's death.
In the realm of poetry, works often explore themes of uncertainty and the human condition, embodying the struggle of vacillation.

Pop Culture

The term is often used in discussions about politics, where leaders may vacillate on policies before making a final decision.
In contemporary media, characters in romantic comedies frequently vacillate between two love interests, adding to the drama.

Science

In psychology, the concept of 'decision fatigue' examines how being forced to make too many choices can lead to vacillation.
Studies in neuroscience suggest that regions of the brain involved in decision-making can be influenced by emotional and cognitive factors, impacting vacillation.

Origin of 'vacillate'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'vacillare', meaning 'to wobble' or 'to sway'.
It was introduced into English in the late 16th century, bringing the sense of indecision from its original meaning.

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.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,773 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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34770 vandal
34771 inveigh
34772 doubter
34773 vacillate
34774 halal
34775 cheater
34776 scuff
...