Wobble Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
ðĪŠ
wobble
[ËwÉb(É)l ]
Definitions
physical movement
To move unsteadily from side to side; to sway or rock back and forth
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| wobble |
Typically used to describe an unsteady movement that can often seem like a back-and-forth or side-to-side motion. It implies a lack of stability.
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| sway |
Describes a slower, more graceful or rhythmic side-to-side motion. Often used to depict something influenced by forces like wind or music.
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| rock |
Often refers to a gentle back-and-forth motion, much like how one might rock a baby to sleep. Can also mean shaking or moving in a strong or abrupt manner, which is sometimes used in an idiomatic sense.
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| shake |
Used to describe a quick, often forceful movement from side to side or up and down. It can refer to physical movement, emotional reaction, or even the act of mixing something.
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Examples of usage
- The table wobbled on its uneven legs.
- She wobbled on her high heels as she walked.
emotional instability
To be uncertain or indecisive; to vacillate in opinion or belief
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| wobble |
Identical to the first 'wobble' entry; it describes unsteady physical movement.
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| hesitate |
Use this word when someone pauses before doing something, often due to uncertainty or fear.
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| dither |
This word is used when someone is indecisive or can't make up their mind. It often has a slightly negative connotation, implying unnecessary hesitation.
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| fluctuate |
This word is best used to describe variations or changes in levels, amounts, or conditions, especially in statistics or data.
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Examples of usage
- His confidence wobbled after the criticism.
- She wobbled between staying or leaving the job.
physical movement
An unsteady or shaky motion
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| wobble |
The same as the first 'wobble'.
|
| sway |
Describes a gentle or rhythmic movement from side to side, often with a feeling of grace. Frequently used for motions caused by wind or dancing.
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| shakiness |
Typically describes a mild to severe trembling or quivering, usually due to weakness, fear, or uncertainty. Often used to describe a person's physical state or confidence.
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| instability |
Refers to a lack of stability, particularly in structures, financial markets, or even in emotions. It is often used in a more formal or technical context.
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Examples of usage
- The child's first steps were a wobble.
- The wobble in the bike tire made it difficult to ride.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Physics
- Wobbling can be explained by the balance of forces; when an object is not perfectly balanced, it tends to wobble.
- In mechanics, the term 'wobble' is often associated with rotational motion and stability, as seen in spinning tops.
Pop Culture
- The popular children's song 'Wiggle It' encourages feeling the rhythm and wobbling to the beat.
- In animated films, characters often wobble humorously to emphasize clumsiness or lack of balance.
Psychology
- The term 'wobble' can describe instability in one's thoughts or feelings, indicating uncertainty in decision-making.
- In behavioral studies, individuals may 'wobble' in their confidence levels during public speaking or performance.
Sports
- Athletes often perform drills to improve balance, helping them avoid wobbling during competitions.
- In figure skating, a wobble during a jump can lead to a fall, highlighting the importance of stability.
Origin of 'wobble'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Middle English 'wabblen,' which means to sway or shake.
- Its origins can be traced back to Old English 'wabbian,' implying an unsteady motion.
The word 'wobble' originated in the early 17th century, possibly imitative of the sound or motion it describes. It has been used to depict both physical and emotional unsteadiness, reflecting a sense of instability or uncertainty. Over time, 'wobble' has become a versatile term used in various contexts to convey a sense of movement or indecision.