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Vacillating: meaning, definitions and examples

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vacillating

 

[ ˈvæs.ɪ.leɪtɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

indecision

To vacillate means to waver in mind or opinion; to be indecisive or irresolute. It is the act of hesitating between different opinions or actions.

Synonyms

equivocate, fluctuate, hesitate, waver

Examples of usage

  • She vacillated between staying at her current job or pursuing a new career opportunity.
  • The politician vacillated on his stance regarding the controversial issue.
Context #2 | Verb

swaying

To vacillate also means to sway unsteadily from one side to the other; to oscillate or fluctuate.

Synonyms

fluctuate, oscillate, swing, waver

Examples of usage

  • The pendulum vacillated back and forth.
  • The branches vacillated in the strong wind.

Translations

Translations of the word "vacillating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vacilante

🇮🇳 दुविधाग्रस्त

🇩🇪 schwankend

🇮🇩 ragu-ragu

🇺🇦 вагаючийся

🇵🇱 chwiejny

🇯🇵 ぐらついている

🇫🇷 vacillant

🇪🇸 vacilante

🇹🇷 tereddütlü

🇰🇷 망설이는

🇸🇦 متردد

🇨🇿 váhavý

🇸🇰 váhavý

🇨🇳 犹豫不决的

🇸🇮 oklevajoč

🇮🇸 flakkandi

🇰🇿 екіжақты

🇬🇪 მერყევი

🇦🇿 tərəddüdlü

🇲🇽 vacilante

Etymology

The word 'vacillate' comes from the Latin word 'vacillare', which means 'to sway to and fro'. It first appeared in English in the early 16th century. The concept of vacillation has been explored in various philosophical and psychological contexts, highlighting the human tendency to struggle with decision-making and commitment.

See also: vacillation.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,589, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.