Basic Details
Word: Oscillate
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To swing back and forth or to move repeatedly between two points.
Synonyms: Swing, fluctuate, waver
Antonyms: Remain steady, stabilize
Idioms and Phrases
- Oscillate between options: To be indecisive and move back and forth between different choices. Example: "He tends to oscillate between options when it comes to picking a movie."
- Oscillate like a pendulum: To switch between two extremes regularly. Example: "Her mood can oscillate like a pendulum, swinging from happiness to sadness in moments."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The child watched the swing oscillate back and forth in the playground.
Example 2: When the temperature started to oscillate, our plans for a picnic had to be changed.
Example 3: The scientists observed how the pendulum would oscillate with perfect timing.
Fun Fact
The word "oscillate" comes from the Latin word "oscillare," which means "to swing." In ancient times, it referred to a little windmill-like device that produced a swinging motion.
Famous Quote
"Life is like a pendulum; it will oscillate from joy to sadness." Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "oscillate" mean?
a) To stand still
b) To jump high
c) To swing back and forth
d) To run quickly
Answer: c) To swing back and forth
2. Which of these is a synonym of "oscillate"?
a) Swim
b) Fluctuate
c) Sit
d) Sleep
Answer: b) Fluctuate
3. Which word is an antonym of "oscillate"?
a) Move
b) Waver
c) Remain steady
d) Swing
Answer: c) Remain steady
4. Which sentence uses "oscillate" correctly?
a) The light bulb will oscillate in the ceiling.
b) The pendulum will oscillate when you push it.
c) The cat will oscillate across the floor.
d) The book will oscillate on the shelf.
Answer: b) The pendulum will oscillate when you push it.
5. What does the idiom "oscillate like a pendulum" mean?
a) To stay in one place
b) To switch between two extremes regularly
c) To go very fast
d) To jump around happily
Answer: b) To switch between two extremes regularly
