oscillate
/'ɔsileit/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To move or swing repeatedly from one side to another, or between two points, with a regular rhythm or frequency. This often describes a physical back-and-forth motion.
- To vary or fluctuate between two states, limits, opinions, or feelings; to be indecisive or waver. This describes a mental or figurative movement between opposing ideas or courses of action.
Usage and Examples
- Physical Movement:
- The pendulum continued to oscillate with perfect regularity.
- The fan oscillates to distribute air throughout the room.
- Mental/Figurative Fluctuation:
- His mood seems to oscillate between extreme optimism and deep pessimism.
- Investors watched as the stock price oscillated within a narrow range.
Advanced Usage
- Technical/Scientific Context: In physics and engineering, "oscillate" describes any periodic variation, such as in an electric current or a wave.
- The electrical signal oscillates at a frequency of 60 hertz.
- Formal/Abstract Context: Used to describe wavering in opinions, policies, or abstract qualities.
- Public opinion on the issue continues to oscillate wildly.
Variants and Related Words
- Oscillation (noun): The act or instance of oscillating.
- The oscillation of the bridge was measured by engineers.
- Oscillator (noun): A device or system that produces oscillation.
- A quartz crystal is used as a stable oscillator in watches.
- Oscillatory (adjective): Characterized by or involving oscillation.
- The system exhibits an oscillatory pattern.
Synonyms
- Swing: To move back and forth, especially from a fixed point.
- Sway: To move slowly from side to side.
- Vacillate: To waver between different opinions or actions; to be indecisive. (Often used for mental hesitation, similar to the second meaning of "oscillate".)
- Fluctuate: To rise and fall irregularly in number or amount.
Antonyms
- Stabilize: To become or make steady and unchanging.
- Decide: To reach a conclusion or resolution.
- Remain: To stay in a fixed state or position.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- To oscillate between X and Y: A common structure highlighting the two poles of fluctuation.
- She oscillates between confidence and self-doubt.
- To oscillate wildly/freely: Emphasizes a large or uncontrolled range of movement or variation.
- During the crisis, market sentiment oscillated wildly.
Verb
- move or swing from side to side regularly
- the needle on the meter was oscillating
- be undecided about something; waver between conflicting positions or courses of action
- He oscillates between accepting the new position and retirement