Oscillate
mediumNeutral toneAH-suh-late
verb
Definition
to swing back and forth; waver between positions or states
Memory hook
OSCILLATE: think of an oscillating fan swinging left-right-left, never settling, or a nervous voter swinging between two candidates.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“Public opinion continued to oscillate between hope and despair as the crisis dragged on.”
“The pendulum oscillated steadily, marking each second with a faint tick.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“Public opinion continued to ______ between hope and despair as the crisis dragged on.”
Show answer
oscillate
Categories
GRE Tip
Oscillate is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "waver" or "fluctuate" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "stabilize".
Related GRE Words
fluctuate
To rise and fall irregularly in number or amount
waver
to be irresolute or hesitate between choices
plummet
to fall or drop sharply
abate
To reduce in amount, degree, or intensity
affect
To have an influence on; to produce a change in (verb); emotional expression (noun in psychology)
catalyst
A person or thing that precipitates an event or change
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