oscilar (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

oscilar is a verb.

Phonetic Transcription

/osiˈlaɾ/

Translation Options into English

• to oscillate
• to swing
• to sway
• to fluctuate

Meaning and Usage

The verb oscilar means to move or swing back and forth in a regular rhythm, to fluctuate between different levels or values, or to vary in a systematic manner. In the Spanish language, it can be used in both physical contexts, such as describing the movement of an object, and abstract contexts, such as discussing varying opinions or emotions.

Frequency of Use: The term is moderately common in both oral and written contexts, especially in scientific, technical, and academic discussions, but it can also be encountered in everyday conversations when describing movement or changes.

Example Sentences

1. El péndulo oscila de un lado a otro.
   (The pendulum oscillates from side to side.)

2. Las temperaturas oscilarán entre 15 y 25 grados este fin de semana.
   (Temperatures will fluctuate between 15 and 25 degrees this weekend.)

3. El niño oscila entre la risa y el llanto.
   (The child oscillates between laughter and crying.)

Idiomatic Expressions

The verb oscilar is used in various idiomatic expressions, particularly in contexts that describe variability or indecision.

Example Idiomatic Expressions

1. Oscilar entre dos opciones
   (To oscillate between two options)

2. Ella suele oscilar entre dos opciones antes de tomar una decisión.
   (She usually oscillates between two options before making a decision.)

3. Oscilar en su opinión
   (To oscillate in one's opinion)

4. Su capacidad de oscilar en su opinión le causa conflictos con sus amigos.
   (His ability to oscillate in his opinion causes conflicts with his friends.)

5. Oscilar entre la confianza y la duda
   (To oscillate between confidence and doubt)

6. El candidato oscila entre la confianza y la duda en su discurso final.
   (The candidate oscillates between confidence and doubt in his final speech.)

7. Oscilar sin rumbo
   (To oscillate aimlessly)

8. A veces, me siento como si oscillara sin rumbo en mi vida profesional.
   (Sometimes, I feel like I am oscillating aimlessly in my professional life.)

Etymology

The word oscilar comes from the Latin verb oscillāre, which means "to swing" or "to sway." The root is derived from the Latin noun oscillum, which refers to a little mask or disc that was used in ancient times, hanging and swinging.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - fluctuar (to fluctuate) - vibrar (to vibrate) - balancear (to balance)

Antonyms: - estabilizar (to stabilize) - fijar (to fix)

This comprehensive overview of oscilar covers its definition, usage, idiomatic expressions, and more, providing insights into its flexibility in the Spanish language.