Vacillated: meaning, definitions and examples
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vacillated
[ ˈvæsɪˌleɪtɪd ]
uncertainty, decision
To vacillate is to waver between different opinions, actions, or decisions. It often implies a lack of resolve or firmness in one’s thoughts or choices. This term can be applied to situations where an individual is unsure of which option to choose or when they are oscillating between two or more ideas. It can also denote a fluctuation in feelings or viewpoints. In many cases, vacillating may lead to missed opportunities as time passes while one deliberates.
Synonyms
dither, fluctuate, hesitate, oscillate, waver
Examples of usage
- She vacillated between accepting the job offer and staying in her current role.
- The committee vacillated on which proposal to accept, causing delays in the project.
- He vacillated between excitement and fear about moving to a new city.
Translations
Translations of the word "vacillated" in other languages:
🇵🇹 vacilou
🇮🇳 झिझकना
🇩🇪 schwankte
🇮🇩 teragak-agak
🇺🇦 вагався
🇵🇱 wahał się
🇯🇵 ためらった
🇫🇷 hésité
🇪🇸 vaciló
🇹🇷 tereddüt etti
🇰🇷 주저했다
🇸🇦 تردد
🇨🇿 váhal
🇸🇰 váhal
🇨🇳 犹豫
🇸🇮 okleval
🇮🇸 hika
🇰🇿 толғанды
🇬🇪 შეკავება
🇦🇿 təqdirdə
🇲🇽 vaciló
Word origin
The term 'vacillate' finds its origins in the Latin word 'vacillare', which means 'to sway to and fro' or 'to waver'. The roots can be traced back to the 16th century, where the verb was adopted into English to describe the act of indecisiveness and the oscillation of thoughts. The usage of 'vacillate' in English literature has maintained its connection to the idea of wavering between choices or situations. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass a broader range of contexts, including emotional states and mental quandaries. Despite its somewhat formal tone, 'vacillate' is frequently utilized in both written and spoken discourse to articulate the feeling of uncertainty and the process of deliberation without resolution.