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oscillation

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌɒsɪˈleɪʃən/

KK: /ɑːsɪˈleɪʃən/

noun
Definition

A repeated movement back and forth or up and down, often in a regular pattern.


Example

The pendulum's oscillation creates a rhythmic swinging motion.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever noticed the oscillation of the pendulum in that old clock?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's fascinating how it swings back and forth like that.
Sloth A
I read that the oscillation creates a rhythm that helps keep time accurately.
Sloth B
That makes sense! It's amazing how physics works in everyday objects.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
vibration
fluctuation
swing
Antonyms
stability
uniformity
constancy
Root Explanation

Oscillation → It is formed from "oscillare" (meaning to swing or sway) and the suffix "-tion" (indicating the action or process of). The word "oscillation" refers to the action or process of swinging back and forth.

Memory Tip

Imagine something that is 'swinging' back and forth — 'oscillare' means to swing, and '-tion' indicates the action. This helps you remember that oscillation is the action of swinging.

Visually Confused Words
postillation
osculation
ocellation
semioscillation
scillain
illation
unoscillating
scintillation
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