vacillate

CEFRC2

/ˈvæ.sə.leɪt/

verb

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    verb

    To keep changing between different opinions or choices.

  2. 02

    verb

    Extra detail

    To swing indecisively from one course of action or opinion to another.

Examples

  • Do not vacillate between options; make a firm decision.

  • If you continue to vacillate, the opportunity will disappear.

At a glance

Sits at C2 on the CEFR scale

Senses
4
Parts of speech
1
Citations
5
Synonyms
3

Deep Dive

verb

Extra meanings

  1. To waver between different opinions or actions; to be indecisive.

  2. To sway unsteadily from one side to the other; oscillate.

More examples

In context

  • Its [the barometer's] normal register in the Paumotus [the Tuamotus] was 29.90, and it was quite customary to see it vacillate between 29.85 and 30.00, or even 30.05; […]

  • Though it is vital to be alert for circumstances which require a change of plan, it is fatal to vacillate.

  • On the streets of Berlin, Ruth and her compatriots vacillated "between hope and despair."

Synonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

She began to blank between staying home or going out because she was uncertain.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

verb

From Latin vacillātum, supine form of vacillō (“sway, waver”). By surface analysis, Latin vacill- + -ate.