Basic Details
Word: Vacillating
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Unable to decide between different opinions or actions; being indecisive.
Synonyms: Wavering, indecisive, fluctuating
Antonyms: Certain, resolute, unwavering
Idioms and Phrases
- On the fence: Used when someone is undecided about something. Example: "She was on the fence about which movie to watch with her friends."
- Can't make up my mind: Used to describe the struggle of deciding. Example: "I can't make up my mind whether to order pizza or pasta for dinner."
Usage Examples
Example 1: After much vacillating, I finally chose to join the basketball team instead of the football team.
Example 2: His vacillating nature made it difficult for him to choose a career path after school.
Example 3: The council was vacillating between two proposals for the new playground, which frustrated local parents.
Fun Fact
The word "vacillate" comes from the Latin word "vacillare," which means "to sway" or "to waver." This relates to how a person might sway back and forth in their decisions!
Famous Quote
"In order to be a leader, you must be able to decide. People who vacillate are not seen as leaders." Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "vacillating" mean?
a) Making quick decisions
b) Unable to decide
c) Being very happy
d) Being very loud
Answer: b) Unable to decide
2. Which of these is a synonym of "vacillating"?
a) Fluctuating
b) Determined
c) Confident
d) Certain
Answer: a) Fluctuating
3. Which is an antonym of "vacillating"?
a) Indecisive
b) Certain
c) Wavering
d) Altering
Answer: b) Certain
4. Which sentence uses "vacillating" correctly?
a) She was vacillating and decided quickly.
b) The vacillating clouds looked beautiful in the sky.
c) He spent hours vacillating between chocolate and vanilla ice cream.
d) The vacillating train arrived on time.
Answer: c) He spent hours vacillating between chocolate and vanilla ice cream.
5. Which idiom suggests indecision like "vacillating"?
a) Jumping for joy
b) On the fence
c) Hitting the nail on the head
d) Strong as an ox
Answer: b) On the fence
