oscillate

Everyday

1. To swing or move back and forth regularly, like a pendulum. tree →
2. To keep changing between two feelings, ideas or states, as in "oscillate between hope and fear". tree →
3. (science) Of electric current or waves, to change direction or strength in a regular rhythm. tree →

In the lessons

Used in science (pendulums, springs, vibrations and sound waves oscillate; a fan that oscillates turns from side to side) and in stories or formal writing to show someone changing their mind back and forth.

Examples

• A pendulum oscillates from side to side. tree →
• The fan oscillates so it cools the whole room. tree →
• Guitar strings oscillate when you pluck them. tree →
• His mood oscillated between happy and grumpy. tree →
• The price oscillated between £5 and £6 all week. tree →
• The spring oscillated up and down after we let go. tree →

Note

Spelling: double s, double l: os-cil-late. Pronounced "OS-il-ate". Noun "oscillation". Similar: "swing", "vibrate", "waver".